After watching the last few tests I have come to the conclusion that Rocky Elsom needs help. The Wallaby captain is making a habit of getting refs ‘off side’ with his aggressive and persistent chatter.
The captain is the delegated player through whom the team talks, but I think Rocky’s method is working against his team.
I actually wonder how much thought has been invested in understanding the man with the whistle?
Nobody really likes to be yelled at, nagged or criticised. I would imagine even less so in a pressure situation, when you are physically tired and in front of tens of thousands of screaming fans.
The Wallabies management don’t seem to have cottoned on to the fact that building a respectful and productive rapport with the referee is bound to work in your team’s favour. This effect would probably only be marginal, but in internationals, that sometimes makes all the difference.
Elsom could take a lesson from Richie McCaw, or even John Smit. These leaders don’t harangue the ref, and consequently I am sure they listened to more openly.
Modern referees are professionals who are not likely to be bullied into a decision (and especially not into changing one!), so there is nothing to be gained from constant whinging or aggressive communication.
ARU, please get onto the team psychologist post-haste. Book a time and oil up the leather couch. I think Rocky needs to come in for a short lie down.
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