Eddie Jones slams referee Gianluca Gnecchi over knock-on call
Eddie Jones blames Japan’s loss to Ireland on missed chances and knock-on call.
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Japan head coach Eddie Jones voiced his disappointment after his team’s 10-41 loss to Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, saying the Brave Blossoms had the momentum early on but failed to sustain it.
Jones remarked that Japan’s first-half performance put them in a competitive position, with the scoreline reading 17-10 at halftime.
“It was obviously disappointing,” said Jones.
“We put ourselves in a position to win the game in the first half. We probably went into half time with a little bit of momentum.”
Ireland winger Jacob Stockdale received a yellow card late in the first half for a head-on-head collision, leaving Ireland a man down early in the second half.
However, Japan could not take advantage of the situation.
“Ireland had Stockdale in the bin, so we needed to capitalise in the first 10 minutes and put real pressure on them,” Jones explained.
“But we didn’t take advantage, and once we lost momentum, Ireland took full control.”
Jones also expressed frustration with referee Gianluca Gnecchi’s interpretation of a knock-on that led to Nick Timoney’s try.
The Japan defence paused, expecting the play to be stopped, but Gnecchi allowed it to continue.
“The try the seven [Timoney] scored, we just stopped, anticipating the referee was going to call a knock-on,” Jones said.
“It used to be the ball going forward, but now it depends on which direction you’re pointing. Anyway, that’s our fault — we have to stay alert.”
Ireland went on to dominate the second half, scoring four unanswered tries as Japan struggled to contain the pace and power of the hosts.
Jones admitted his side “faded badly” in the final 30 minutes, conceding that their defensive lapses and loss of focus allowed Ireland to run away with the game.
