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Eddie Jones says World Rugby TMO statement hurts integrity of referees

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Eddie Jones says World Rugby’s statement does not help support the integrity of referees

Eddie Jones says World Rugby's statement on Gareth Anscombe's disallowed try hurts the integrity of match officials.

World Rugby said television match official Glenn Newman made an error in ruling out Anscombe's try during the first half of England's Six Nations win over Wales last Saturday.

Replays showed Anscombe beat Anthony Watson to ground the ball, with Wales head coach Warren describing Newman's call as a "terrible mistake", but Jones says the governing body's belated statement is unhelpful.

The England head coach told Sky Sports News: "The referee's decisions are made during the game. World Rugby has got a history of giving retrospective decisions and I don't think it helps support the integrity of the referee.

Wales' Gareth Anscombe (R) raises his arm as he slides with England's wing Anthony Watson (C) claiming a try that the TMO ruled out during the Six Nations
Image: Wales back Gareth Anscombe (right) had a first-half try ruled out by the TMO

"Once a game is done, that's it. Get on with it. You can't take back the decision.

"You're upset but we've all had that. We've all experienced that situation. Sometimes you get the rub of the green, sometimes you don't. You get on with it and move on."

'Worthwhile' scrum session against Georgia

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Jones saw England's scrum put through their paces by Georgia in a training session on Tuesday.

The Georgians are spending two days with England during the first fallow week of the Six Nations in order to give Jones' pack set-piece practice.

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England's forwards packed down against Georgia on Tuesday

"Our forwards learnt a lot," said Jones. "We went backwards once and then forwards a few times so it was a really good contested session.

"The players enjoyed it greatly and enjoyed the challenge of scrummaging against a different pack. It was certainly worthwhile."

Joe Marler was involved in the training session after serving a six-week suspension and Jones says the Harlequins prop has to repay the trust shown in him.

File photo dated 17-02-2017 (Six Nations) of England's Joe Marler
Image: Joe Marler is available for selection against Scotland

"Joe understands the seriousness of the situation - any player that gets suspended as frequently as his record of late puts themselves in a difficult position," said Jones.

"He's a very important player for England and we want him on the field.

"We trust him to get on with the game. Now he has to repay that trust. Is this his last chance? There's no such thing as a last chance but certainly he needs to make sure he stays on the field."

Simmonds to miss Scotland and France games

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 04:  Sam Simmonds of England breaks through to score during the NatWest Six Nations match betwwen England and Italy at Stadio Olimpi
Image: Sam Simmonds could return from a shoulder injury in time for England's final-round fixture against Ireland on St Patrick's Day

Jones says Owen Farrell and Anthony Watson are both expected to recover from leg injuries in time for England's Calcutta Cup game with Scotland on February 24, but Sam Simmonds will miss the trip to Murrayfield and the round-four fixture against France due to a shoulder injury.

"At this stage he will definitely miss the next two games, which is disappointing," said Jones of the Exeter forward.

Elliot Daly has suffered an injury setback, with a calf problem delaying his return, while his Wasps team-mate Nathan Hughes has "some heavy conditioning work to do" if he is to replace Simmonds at No 8 against Scotland.

'Moore has a decision to make'

Sale's Sam Moore
Image: Sam Moore has represented England at underage level but also qualifies for Wales

Fellow No 8 Sam Moore has been included as an apprentice player by Jones. The Sale youngster also qualifies for Wales and Jones wants him to make a decision to make over his international future.

Jones said: "Sam is a Kieran Read-type No 8. He's tall, runs well in open space and has good lineout skills. He's definitely of interest to us.

"He has a decision he needs to make. If he wants to play for England and is good enough, we'll pick him.

"If he doesn't, then he can go to Wales."

Moore was one of six players allowed to return to their clubs on Tuesday evening along with Sale team-mate Denny Solomona, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Nick Isiekwe, Zach Mercer, Marcus Smith and Gabriel Ibitoye.

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