As Irish Rugby braces itself for another game under Wayne Barnes, Joe Schmidt has launched a charm offensive. Ireland don't have a great record under the English referee and many think he cost us a Grand Slam in 2015.
The Irish team are renowned for their discipline under Schmidt, but against the Welsh in Cardiff two years ago Barnes confounded the Irish forwards. They were penalised time after time at the break down handing the home side an early 12-nil lead. Wales then held on for a 23-16 victory following another baffling decision late on. A dominant Irish scrum was penalised 5 metres from the opposition's try line.
That has led to plenty of focus on Wayne Barnes as he prepares to referee his first game of this year's Six Nations Championship and his first game involving Ireland since that controversy. Joe Schmidt however, can see the positives to Barnes being the man in the middle.
"One of the better referees". Joe Schmidt praises Wayne Barnes ahead of @IrishRugby @SixNationsRugby clash with @WelshRugbyUnion. pic.twitter.com/Wlm58nVs9z
— Today FM Sport (@todayfmsport) March 8, 2017
