‘Peter O’Mahony tried to milk that’ – Ireland great accused of simulation in final outing after hugely controversial call
Peter O'Mahony has been accussed of attempting to 'milk' a decision against France.
Former Wales international Lee Jarvis has accused Peter O’Mahony of simulation during Ireland’s 42-27 defeat to France in the Six Nations.
The result ended Simon Easterby side’s chances of completing the Grand Slam and dented their hopes of a Six Nations three-peat.
France crossed for five tries in the win with Ireland grabbing two late scores to make the scoreboard look more respectable.
Controversial call
While Les Bleus were emphatic in their victory, their second try has been hugely controversial with Paul Boudehent powering over in the 46th minute with the ensuing penalty giving his side the lead.
After the try, referee Angus Gardner reviewed a tackle by Ireland winger Calvin Nash who was subsequently yellow-carded before attention turned to the events leading up to the try.
Ireland felt that flanker O’Mahony was tackled beyond the ruck by France lock Thibaud Flament which meant the Irishman was unable to assist the defence as Les Bleus charged to the line.
However, Gardner felt that the Frenchman was within the laws when clearing out the Irishman and likened the latter’s actions to a matador.
Reaction
The decision polarised opinion on social media with Jarvis believing that the officials got the decision right and claiming that O’Mahony was ‘milking’ the clear out.
“Angus Gardner. Balls like a Brecon Bull. Right decision. Peter O’Mahony tried to milk that and didn’t get it,” he remarked on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
He was not alone in thinking that with Rugby Inside Line, adding: “Great response from France! What a powerful try. POM with an attempt at real gamesmanship there trying to draw the penalty by backing out of the ruck and then flopping to the floor. Good call from the ref.”
Others stated that it was a ‘great call’ from the Australian referee, with one onlooker remarking: “Excellent decision from Angus Gardner – stood firm behind his decision and not influenced by the hostile home crowd.”
However, for those supporting the men in green, the decision was a harsh one.
“Ah referee come off it. O’Mahony is retreating so it’s not a penalty? I’m really, really not sure about that,” Andy McGeady’s post read.
With journalist Rúaidhrí O’Connor was clearly angered by the call.
“Angus Gardner making it up as he goes along – that’s a shocking call to award the try,” he wrote.
Another post read: “I think yellow for Nash is probably the right call. Donal Lenihan constantly saying everything is the same as Joe McCarthy in the first half doesn’t make any sense. Think the ref got the call on POM cleanout is wrong and costs Ireland.”
