This was a shattering setback for Scotland but also for the sport as it strives to broaden its appeal. An epic World Cup quarter-final ended in confusion and controversy, unrest and rage. For 79 minutes at Twickenham on Sunday, rugby put on its Sunday best and laid on a glorious, pulsating spectacle. But one contentious refereeing decision ensured there was only one divisive talking point in the aftermath of Australia’s last-gasp victory. With 87 seconds left, Vern Cotter’s Scots were leading 34-32 courtesy of a 74th-minute interception try by centre Mark Bennett. The home of English rugby was rocking with kilted fervour as the tartan hordes in the stands prepared to acclaim an historic triumph.Australia left it late to beat Scotland in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final encounter at TwickenhamReferee Craig Joubert turned and sprinted off the field after awarding controversial late penalty against ScotlandBernard Foley broke Scottish hearts with a penalty in the last minute to secure a 35-34 victory for AustraliaAdam Ashley-Cooper scored the first try of the match with an easy finish after excellent work from Tevita KuridraniGreig Laidlaw penalty put Scotland back in the game before Peter Horne gave the underdogs the leadAnother Laidlaw penalty made it 13-5 but Drew Mitchell responded with try for Australia to close the gap to threeAshley-Cooper was denied a second try when referee Craig Joubert adjudged there to have been a knock-onJon Welsh conceded a late penalty as Foley kicked the decisive three points to break Scottish hearts at the deathAustralia 35-34 Scotland: CLICK HERE for a minute-by-minute on how Australia reached the World Cup semi-finals
But in a nutshell, the protocols did not allow _ to refer his decision, nor did they allow the TMO to intervene and recommend a review.