In Pics: Tommy Bowe’s Try

Click here for photos of Tommy Bowe’s much-debated try during Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations win against Italy at Lansdowne Road.

Pictured above: Ireland winger Tommy Bowe tries to get past the tackle of Italian flanker Mauro Bergmasco for a 48th-minute try. Bowe collected Ronan O’Gara’s cross-field kick from the right, and went over the line. On TV replays, the grounding looked inconclusive, but English referee Dave Pearson awarded the try to Ireland – it was Bowe’s third in 7 Test matches.

Mauro Bergamasco tries to prevent Tommy Bowe from grounding the ball over the Italian try line. Italy coach Pierre Berbizier was adamant afterwards that Bowe had not scored. The former French captain and coach said: “The second try was definitely not a try.

“I’ve seen the video and it’s certainly not a try. The referee can look at the video and he should have. It’s too important, particularly for us. It’s difficult for us to play a high level game – but if we’re handicapped, we can’t play.

“We want to play with the same rights as the other teams. We can’t play with a handicap. We have a handicap already when we start the game because of we’re at a lower level. We are a ‘little’ team…okay…but we have the same rights.”

Reacting to questions regarding Bowe’s try, Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan said afterwards: “Regarding the try, the referee awarded a try when Tommy fell over the line. So once the ref awarded the try, Tommy stopped playing. Had he not awarded the try, Tommy could have grounded the ball, so I don’t think it really matters – he was going to score anyway.”

Bergamasco and Bowe struggle over the Italian try line.

Referee Dave Pearson awards the try to Ireland despite the protestations of Paul Griffen (left) and Mirco Bergmasco (right), who is signalling for the TV match official (Malcolm Changleng). Ronan O’Gara converted Bowe’s score to put Ireland 17-13 up and on the way to a hard-fought victory.

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**All photos by Andrew Paton and Morgan Treacy of Inpho Photography**