Tis reminds me of the 3 helicopter pilots whose hearing had become impaired:
1st helicopter pilot: "Isn't it windy today!"
2nd helicopter pilot: "No, I think it's Thursday."
3rd helicopter pilot: "So am I, let's go and have a beer."
.... However, to settle the argument, the bit where it says
have passed the appropriate airline transport pilot knowledge test within 24 months before the date of the practical test
... so it is
NOT "the same effect either way". Clearly the wording states unambiguously that the theory test must be passed before the practical test.