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Australian Wallabies Coach Robbie Deans, center, talks to players Matt Giteau, left, and Stirling Mortlock during the captain's run at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, Friday, Aug. 1, 2008. Australia will play against New Zealand on Saturday. AP Photo/NZPA, Wayne Drought
I was very fortunate to attend a monthly suburban referees education night and the guest presenter was Robbie Deans. Robbie was very humble and very open and entered into two way dialogue with the refs.
Robbie opens with amusing stories about the few times he tried reffing and stated it is the hardest job in rugby and does not envy us.
I won’t discuss the presentation per se, since you really need the video with it.
However, while most of the time with Robbie was discussion time between him and the audience, I also managed some one on one time with him.
Highlight of the discussion and Robbie’s views were that:
1. He applauds the new tackle interpretation, but to keep balance, you must prevent/punish the attacking team from sealing off the ruck, and leaving their feet. Then he says you will get a real ruck, with players from both sides over the ball using their feet.
2. He is not in the least interested in ANY league players.
3. He is all for yellow carding on the first offence for cynical cheating, with the proviso that there is no reasonable doubt on the offence occurring.
4. He does not care that scrum feeds are not straight, since a team with a strong scrum can still make sure they get disrupted and messy ball. He feels a team has erred to give away a scrum, so having a small edge is a non-issue.
5. He is not worried about key injuries like Horwill. His view is it just gives an opportunity to a new young talent coming through.
6. The biggest challenge facing Australian rugby is not having enough quality rugby for players. He feels having elite programs and academies is no substitute for hard games and good game time. He points to the All Blacks and their extra gym time over playing Super 14. Australia really needs another tier to match New Zealand and South Africa long-term since they have the NPC and Currie Cup.
7. His biggest cultural challenge with the Wallabies was that their objective was to be the best players in Australia rather than in the world. It was enough, or sufficient, for them to make the Wallabies, and the lack of players pressuring for their spot made them complacent once they got there. He states that it is still an issue.
8. He does not believe in punishing people for making mistakes as long as they are having a go. He would much rather that than someone who does not have a go. He said guess what happens if you shout at the dog who barks at the wrong things? He stops doing anything and comes and sits at your side.
9. He doesn’t care that tribunals are inconsistent in punishments given to players found guilty. He says a player should make sure he doesn’t find himself in that position in the first place.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.