Ref forced to apologize to England and France seconds before Six Nations clash

ENGLAND’S final match of the Six Nations got off to a tricky start yesterday after a tricky error from referee Angus Gardner.

With Ireland having clinched the title earlier that evening, England knew the best hope they could have if they beat France would be a second-place finish.

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Before kick-off in Lyon, there was planned to be a ten-second countdown timer, which was present in all Six Nations matches this year.

But France and the referee were a little too eager to get things going sharply.

France full-back Thomas Ramos sent the ball high into the air before the countdown had started, prompting the referee to order the teams to get back into position.

Gardner took full responsibility for the mistake and said, “Yes, sorry.

“I said there’s ten seconds left. Sorry guys, we have to wait for the time. There’s a countdown timer. We have to wait for the countdown timer and I have to blow my whistle.

“Wait for the countdown and we’re ready to go. Apologies.’

ITV commentator Nick Mullins was unimpressed by Gardner’s blunder and told the referee to “move on”.

He then joked: “It’s okay, it’s not live, we can take that bit out. It’s not a good start. Let’s just keep going, Angus. Blow your whistle and kick off.”

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The Aussie referee is one of the most experienced and trusted referees in rugby and was in charge of last year’s World Cup semi-final between France and Argentina.

Second place proved out of reach for England as they suffered a narrow 33-31 defeat in Lyon.

Ramos, who had previously caused the false start, came good with a last-minute penalty to give France victory in a thriller.