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Rugby enjoyed one of its most grand moments at the top level last week, as the Irish put the exclamation mark on an excellent Six Nations tournament.
They belted the English in their own backyard to secure a third Grand Slam title, in a rousing display that catapulted the boys in green into strong contention for next year’s World Cup.
There’s still a rivers worth of water to pass under the bridge until Japan in 2019 but the Emerald Isle knocked on the door loudly, and the rugby world took notice.
But while rugby’s traditional powers had their gaze transfixed on Twickenham, some incredible scenes unfolded across the Channel.
The scene of the crime was Brussels, hosting one of the most controversial rugby matches in recent history. Of course, this doesn’t carry the weight of a Lions versus All Blacks tour decider, but what transpired was almost beyond belief.
Spain had travelled to Brussels needing victory to directly qualify for the game’s showpiece tournament, after a 20-year absence from the tournament.
In a nation captivated by football, this team had made big strides for the popularity and growth of the sport. From all reports, rugby was mentioned in the talk around the tapas bars over a spicy chorizo.
The Spaniards had defeated all comers, barring a tight loss to the powerhouse Georgians. Their match against Romania drew 15,000 spectators, including members of the monarchy. Jubilant scenes followed as they won the encounter and came within touching distance of a first World Cup appearance in a couple of decades.
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The top two of the ‘Six Nations B’ – as it is colloquially known – receive automatic qualification to Japan. Romania has long held the second spot, but the defeat this year to Spain meant a playoff with the fearsome Pacific warriors, Samoa.
However if ‘Los Leones’ were upset by the lowly Belgium, Romania would regain the spot.
The match itself was indeed won by the Belgian side, 18-10, in a monumental upset. Chaos ensued as the Spaniards chased the referee around the pitch afterwards, demanding answers. They were left fuming at a number of dubious calls, and emotions ran high.
This sort of behaviour is in total disregard of the tradition of rugby. Officials are sacrosanct and should be protected, and the players should be reprimanded.
But while intimidating an official should never be condoned, when the evidence surrounding the circumstances came to light, the furore after the final whistle can almost be understood.
Spain were penalised off the park. It’s difficult to find a definitive penalty count, but I’ve seen numbers like 28-5, 28-8 and 24-4, all in favour of the Belgians. Former All Black prop Neemia Tialata was in attendance, and took to Twitter to express his discontent, posting a series of tweets about this abhorrent officiating.
Not to take anything away from @BelgianRugby win today but some of todays officiating was terrible! It’s the pinacle to be part of @rugbyworldcup tournament.Players put their bodies and lives on the line,all we ask is for the game to be officiated fairly #GentlemensGame @ferugby
— Neemia Tialata (@NeemiaTialata) March 18, 2018
The plot thickens considerably at this point, upon realising that all three match officials were Romanian. They were not appointed by World Rugby, but rather Rugby Europe, whose president is also Romanian.
Furthermore, reports have suggested that the Spanish were denied their request for a change of officials in the lead up to the fixture. While I can’t see the fire, I can see the smoke bellowing from Rugby Europe HQ.
There’s a possibility that this was a wild coincidence, but this incredible postscript needs a thorough investigation by World Rugby. Whatever the outcome, the entire situation is a black eye for the code. Let us hope the Spanish were not unfairly denied an opportunity to compete on the world stage.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.