Scotland host England in the Six Nations next Saturday
In the forthcoming Six Nations match against England, former fly-half Craig Chalmers has urged Scotland to direct their fury stemming from their contentious defeat over France. In the Scotland vs. France game, he also vented his frustration at the referee’s choice to not give Scotland the game-winning try.
Watching the game from the Murrayfield stands, Chalmers was perplexed as to why the referee failed to flag what looked like a straightforward try by replacement Sam Skinner. Due to this choice, Scotland’s chances of achieving a Grand Slam were dashed as France defeated them 20–16.
“I just don’t understand how the referee didn’t see it,” Chalmers told the PA. “The big mistake he made was saying on-field ‘no try’. Inside the stadium, it 95 per cent looked like a try to me. He should have got in closer to it and put his hands in and had a better look.”
Chalmers thinks that Scotland needs to put their setback behind them and concentrate on their upcoming game against England.
Chalmers said, “It’s frustrating because Saturday was a game we should have won, but the players and coaches have to get over it now.” Chalmers was disappointed with the recent game.
“There’s nothing they can do about it; it’s done,” he continued. Everybody has had times when things have gone wrong for them, but there is nothing you can do about it.
Reflecting on past regrets, he mentioned: “Some of these things you never get over, look at the 1991 World Cup. We all still wish Gavin Hastings kicked that (penalty in the 9-6 semi-final defeat by England).”
He also noted the importance of seizing opportunities: “You probably remember these kind of things more than some of the good things that happen.”
Chalmers stated, “When you get beat like that, you want to get back playing, but it’s probably a good thing that they get a break this weekend, and also a chance to look at the decisions they could have made better.” Chalmers implied that a break would be helpful.
After pointing out a tactical lapse, he said, “I think we should have taken our points at times, especially at the end of the first half, just get the three points over the bar and keep the scoreboard ticking.”
