Eddie Jones comes out swinging over IRB decision to re-open case against James Horwill

FORMER Test boss Eddie Jones yesterday blasted the re-opening of the trampling case against James Horwill as a "ridiculous inquest".

FORMER Test boss Eddie Jones yesterday blasted the re-opening of the trampling case against James Horwill as a "ridiculous inquest" that unfairly questions the integrity of tonight's Wallaby captain.

The forthright Jones fanned the conspiracy theory that the trigger had come from somewhere within the British and Irish Lions camp although the tourists yesterday vehemently denied any approach to the International Rugby Board to open this appeal.

The Wallabies are privately fuming at the IRB's unprecedented move to re-try Horwill and challenge the four-hour not quilty verdict handed down last Sunday.

It smears Horwill and one of New Zealand's senior legal figures, Nigel Hampton QC, who was the judicial officer.

The IRB's decision to put Horwill in the dock for a second time after tonight's climactic Test against the Lions in Melbourne was branded as "bizarre" by former Wallabies captain Nick Farr-Jones and "very disappointing" by Wallabies great John Eales.

"I find it extraordinary that there is an appeal against their own process. I'm sure James's focus for such an important Test will still be 100 per cent but something that was dead and buried is alive again," Eales said.

Jones was fired up over the machinations that would lead to Horwill being re-tried.

James-Horwill

"The Horwill incident should be done and dusted but because the Lions have enormous power in the IRB we have this ridiculous inquest," Jones said. "Horwill is a tough boy but not a thug and should be treated with more respect. This a challenge to his integrity."

In his verdict, Hampton said he could prove no reckless intent. He said the Australian captain "being spun off balance" and having "his sight impeded" on the edge of a ruck in last week's first Test in Brisbane were not an implausible explanation for Horwill's boot striking the face of Lions lock Alun Wyn Jones.

A shocked Horwill reiterated yesterday the incident was "completely accidental." He said winning tonight's Test was consuming him not the possibility he might be banned from the third Test in Sydney on July 6 when Canada's Graeme Mews judges the case afresh tomorrow.

Horwill vehemently defended his honour, saying he was oblivious of the incident had even happened until the day after the Test.

"There was no malice. I had no idea that Alun was anywhere near my feet. That's what I am sticking by," Horwill said. "The reality is I have played 130 professional rugby games and never been cited once. I had no intent.

"Only one TV angle has been viewed by the public repeatedly but none of the different views studied in the hearing have been released.

"The hearing was four hours, we had nine different camera angles to look at. The hearing was very thorough. I got a fair hearing the first time, and I expect it to be no different come the second time." Added Horwill: "Any incident you look at you can make look worse than it is.

"They (the IRB) are entitled to do what they've done, and they're going down that process. We'll deal with that come Sunday morning once the game is over."

The Lions quickly distanced themselves from the drama, saying they did not lobby the IRB to re-open the case.

Team spokesman Greg Thomas said: "The British and Irish Lions did not approach IRB about the appeal. That's on the record."

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