As disappointing as it was to see two red cards handed out during Saturday’s Super Rugby fixtures, what was even more striking was the reaction, or non-reaction, of some of Australia’s ‘expert’ rugby commentators.
Tim Horan, 80 matches for the Wallabies, and Nathan Sharpe, 116 matches, have records which place them both at, or very near, the top of the pile in terms of their contributions to Australian rugby.
Both are eminently sensible men, and good communicators who, with their recent knowledge of the game at the highest level, should be well placed to deliver insightful analysis.
Indeed, one assumes this is the very reason why Fox Sports engages them in their Super Rugby coverage.
Both however, let themselves, their employer, and their viewers down on Saturday night, courtesy of weak-kneed, run-a-mile mumbling, which failed to pass any reasonable test of what constitutes valuable commentary.
Their reactions to the red cards dished out to the Sharks’ Jean Deysel and the Reds’ Ed O’Donoghoe were poor.
Horan laid the groundwork early during a half-time cross to his base at Suncorp Stadium, after the Sharks had been reduced to 14 men against the Crusaders. The reason being a crude and unnecessary stomp to the head of Crusaders flanker Jordan Taufua, by Sharks openside flanker Jean Deysel.
The incident was not seen by match referee Rohan Hoffman, but upon intervention of the TMO, he was able to halt the game and review the footage. What he saw left him no choice but to send Deysel packing with a red card.
It is hard to imagine anyone but the most rusted-on Sharks fan taking issue with the decision, and, to my mind, this was correct and efficient use of the technology. Whatever the provocation, thuggish play, off the ball, to the head of an opponent simply has no place in rugby in 2014.
Asked for his thoughts on the first half, Horan referred to an “alleged” stomp by Deysel. It was an extremely unfortunate use of the word alleged.
Possibly Horan was under some misguided impression that he might unduly influence a later tribunal hearing, thus throwing in “alleged” to cover himself.
But even if for some reason Horan wasn’t certain about the stomping himself, there was still no reason to tread so softly. Deysel was clearly sent off for stomping, not allegedly stomping. There was no reason not to call it as it was.
What rugby supporters and parents of children playing the game want to see is commentators reinforcing that such behaviour has no place in the game. To say unequivocally that kicking or stomping an opponent in the head is a red card offence. To state loud and clear that all players have an expectation and a right to complete every match without being attacked in that way.
Little were we to know however, that this wasn’t to be the low point of the evening.
With time almost up at Suncorp, and the Reds and Rebels locked at 27-27, referee Steve Walsh penalised Rebels replacement flanker Sean McMahon for being third man into a scuffle between his captain Scott Higginbotham and the Reds’ Ed O’Donoghue.
Mike Harris peeled off a long touch finder, giving the Reds an attacking lineout and a chance to press for the win. But just as the lineout throw was made, Walsh was alerted to an incident by TMO Steve Lescinski, and pulled the pin on the play.
It quickly became obvious that the Lescinski was concerned about O’Donoghue attacking the face of Higginbotham while they were on the ground and, with each replay, the hole he and the Reds were in got deeper and deeper.
To his credit, Walsh seemed very reluctant to have the match decided by an off-the-ball incident. His instinct was to let the play take its course if possible.
But Lescinski held his ground, firmly telling Walsh that it was a serious incident and essentially giving Walsh no other option than to red card O’Donoghue, reverse the penalty, and hand the game over to the Rebels.
While partisan Reds supporters made their displeasure obvious, once again this was, in my view, clearly the right decision, and a vindication of the TMO review system.
I am no fan of assistant referees and TMO’s interrupting the flow of games, particularly for trivial matters, or things the match referee has seen for himself, but Lescinski deserves full credit here for holding his nerve and calling it how it was.
Which is more that can be said for the Fox Sports commentary team.
O’Donoghue may well be not guilty of eye gouging in the classic sense – and certainly Higginbotham appeared to suffer no injury or scratches to his eyes. But, from two angles, it was clear that O’Donoghue consciously had his fingers and knuckles into Higginbotham’s eye sockets and was giving them a solid work over.
Call it what you like, but it was a terrible look and it most certainly constituted attacking the face of an opponent.
Higginbotham for his part was not passive, pushing forward with his head into O’Donoghue, and also, albeit briefly, running his own fingers too closely across his opponent’s face.
None of which was adequately addressed by the commentary team. Senior statesman Greg Clark seemed lost for words, and Horan once again fumbled around the issue, escaping the spotlight by throwing to Nathan Sharpe on the sideline.
Although not explicitly saying so, Sharpe seemed disappointed that the match officials had interfered in a matter which had already been sorted by the players. Nothing to report here, move on.
By not explicitly denouncing O’Donoghue’s actions, all three comprehensively failed their viewers. Once again, parents of children who play rugby should be left in no doubt that such behaviour is unacceptable, and should feel comforted that systems are in place to prevent, or at least minimize, such incidents.
Worse was to come, when an emotional Reds player, James Horwill, expressed his displeasure to Sharpe at being “robbed by a stupid refereeing decision”.
As wrong as he was, one can almost excuse a gutted Horwill for being in complete and utter denial in the heat of the moment.
But any reporter worth his salt would have latched on to such a juicy half volley with relish. Which decision? How do you feel you were robbed? What did you say to the referee?
Sharpe asked none of these things, he simply changed the subject.
If Sharpe isn’t skilled enough to ask follow up questions like this then Fox should either train him properly or discard him. If he was protecting a mate by not letting him dig himself into deeper trouble, then he is even more culpable and simply worthless in the role.
Fox Sports already have two buffoon commentators in Greg Martin and Phil Kearns, who devalue the coverage through partisan barracking and lack of knowledge of the laws. Surely they don’t need any more.
A sharp contrast was provided by Sky NZ’s Justin Marshall who, while obviously taking care not to take a cheap shot at Deysel, nevertheless made it clear that his actions had no place on a rugby field and warranted a red card.
On the evidence of Saturday night’s coverage, Fox Sports needs to take a lead from across the Tasman and seriously reconsider the quality and professionalism of its rugby coverage.
Scurfs
Guest
What a ridiculous piece of literature. 1. “Alleged” was an appropriate term, as he was yet to be sanctioned at his hearing by SANZAR. Just as when someone is arrested, but not yet tried, it is referred to as an “alleged” incident; in the absence of a confession. 2. The intervention of the TMO to define the outcome of a match, as in the case of the Reds-Rebels game is outrageous, when the “alleged” (see what I did there) incident is deemed by SANZAR to have been ruled INCORRECTLY. So, irrespective of what YOUR opinion might be, the governing body of our great game has unequivocally said that they got it wrong, and it was indeed NOT an action which should decide the outcome of the game. 3. Scott Higginbotham is an antagonist. I love him as a player, but that is a fact. If he had been eye gauged, he would have erupted. Or perhaps had some kind of painful reaction in response. Or taken a moment to seek medical attention. Or bring it to the referees attention. Or have any evidence his eyes were in any way affected. Has anyone with functioning sensory neurons ever been eye gauged and not had a physiological response? No marks. No pain. No...thing. You are right that Tim Horan and Nathan Sharpe are legends of Australian rugby. They provide great, intelligent insight into the game we all love. They deserve a great deal more respect than what you have afforded them.
bennalong
Guest
I'm late to this thread too, but disagree with you Allanthus The country, like rugby, is full of people who want to see authorities punish other people, and I find that disagreeable unless first the benefit of doubt has been tested fairly. Clearly, despite the bad look of the incident, no-one was hurt! Hard to reconcile with the charge and no doubt one of the reasons Ed O'Donohue was cleared, eh? So why so quick to judge? Does the player have a history of thuggery? IMO a red is a very serious issue and usually stuffs a game of rugby for everyone. Further, in the case of eye gouging, it is a blight on the player for life, so NO-ONE should judge precipitously or without the best access to facts I do not believe "everyone" should suffer from the misdeeds of a player. IMO the appropriate course would be to issue a yellow and a white indicating the player was cited. The subsequent penalty involves restricting the players right to earn a livlihood, as well as a black mark against his reputation that may well follow him for life. It does not have to be decided on the spot, nor should it be. Rugby's a tough and physical one and not for the faint hearted. Get on with it!
Pete
Guest
Allanthus I believe you summed it up well when you said Horan called the stop alleged because it hadn't gone to the tribunal yet. That's why he called it alleged, he can't influence the tribunal! Sharp didn't keep asking horwill about the poor referring because nobody wants to hear about that they want to hear about the rest of the game. As for the commentators the kiwis are biased towards their teams the sagas are biased to their teams and the Aussies are biased towards their teams. Accept and move on. As you know now Ed was cleared of any wrong doing. Even his red card was removed from the record even SANZAR said the TMO shouldn't have pulled the game back. Unfortunately this destroys your argument and vindicates Horwill for saying what he said. Poor referring once again cost the reds.
Zero Gain
Guest
No, they are not infinitely better. To me they sound just as biased, but of course I am completely biased, the difference is I can admit it. It would be a bit strange if guys who played for their country and state were not biased.
Zero Gain
Guest
Of course they are biased, we all are. Just accept it and make up your own mind. They are no better or worse than the Kiwi or SA commentators.
Zero Gain
Guest
Your big on the insults aren't you mate.
Zero Gain
Guest
Your comments about James ruin an otherwise OK post. "Immature, infantile, fake tough guy" . Wow, a perfect illustration of the psycho "hater".
Mike
Guest
"Call it what you like, but it was a terrible look and it most certainly constituted attacking the face of an opponent." Given that the judiciary have decided to take no disciplinary action at all, they very obviously disagree with you. Mind you, they suffer the disadvantage of actually having examined the evidence dispassionately. "None of which was adequately addressed by the commentary team." Actually, it seems that the commentary team addressed it very well and wisely. It is clear that none of them saw a clear case of gouging, and therefore they were reluctant to jump to conclusions. Smart people. "Although not explicitly saying so, Sharpe seemed disappointed that the match officials had interfered in a matter which had already been sorted by the players. Nothing to report here, move on." Precisely. No marks on Higginbotham, no complaint or any sign that he had been gouged or had his face attacked. "By not explicitly denouncing O’Donoghue’s actions, all three comprehensively failed their viewers." They would have massively failed their viewers if they had done what you advocate. "Once again, parents of children who play rugby should be left in no doubt that such behaviour is unacceptable, and should feel comforted that systems are in place to prevent, or at least minimize, such incidents." Which is exactly what they can feel comforted by, since "such incidents" in this case did not occur.
Yogi
Guest
Pirate I can't believe you are still carrying on with this. If you still think it was an eye gouge, take it up with the judiciary star witness, Scott Higgenbotham.
Garth
Guest
Marto seems to be at his worst when partnered with Kearns.
Garth
Guest
They should have to cover the games for radio before being "promoted" to TV. The Radio boys really do have to call the game, no chance to slack off & let the moving pictures do it for them. I've started listening to radio commentary when watching the Aussie games, just to avoid Kearns & co.
Reality
Guest
I think we obviously saw this from a different angle: Kiwi Sky TV Jordan Taufua is playing nicely, see's a fire at an orphanage, rescues 10 orphans with the help of Sir Ritchie. Then he's walking along, minding his own business when he lies down to pic some daisies for his mum. Along came a big nasty South African that "kicked him in the head" Foxtel Coverage Jordan Taufua is out of the game, lying on the floor and intentionally grabs the leg of his opponent. The opposition player takes exception and goes to remove him. Jordan Taufua realises what is about to happen and lets go, Sharks player in 1 second of stupidity carries on through with it, Jordan Taufua is raked on the shoulder (neck at most).
Reality
Guest
Oh dear Chan Wee, "it sems u dont watch much rugger …." I played "rugger" for 20+ years so please don't patronise me.
Who Needs Melon
Roar Guru
I'm very late to the party on this article - busy day yesterday - but just want to say it is a cracker. And stands just as true after judiciary decisions as it did before. Thanks.
RobC
Roar Guru
Was there any statements from SR re Reds post match comments?
Gasparin
Guest
I do see the difference, but I don't agree with it. On the field, referees must be treated with the utmost respect because they are the sole judge of proceedings. If they make an astonishing decision that has a very real effect not only on the game, but potentially on a player's career, why should they be immune to criticism? Perhaps if players and coaches weren't gagged, the refs' performances might improve.
Gasparin
Guest
Spot on Dale. This clown intervened where he had no jurisdiction and forced a result based on an incorrect ruling. Not only was he found not guilty, but the red card was scratched from his record. So is it just tough luck? If players and coaches are subject to the sack, then these TMOs must also feel the wrath of their incompetence. I feel incredibly sorry for the Reds who have now lost four games by three points - three of them in the last minute. And two of them through appalling decisions. I accept referring errors occur, but this guy had the video tape to refer to and insisted on having an effect on the gam, when it was completely unnecessary. Not good enough.
Spanners
Guest
I thought Jean Deysel deserved to be red carded, but I'd be inclined to yellow card the bloke underneath Deysel's size 14 boots. If Jordan Taufua isn't illegally holding the Sharks flanker out of play, he doesn't get slippered. Same goes for Higginbotham. To red card a player for a facial and not punish the preceding headbutt by the Rebels player smacks of inconsistency. Neither Higginbotham nor O'Donoghue should have been sent from the field and certainly the match shouldn't have been decided by some bloke sitting in front a TV up in the stands. Why these jokers (TMO) feel the need to impose their will on the game is beyond me. Clearly Walsh didn't want to go down that path and was forced into a corner by Lescinski . The fact the case was thrown out by the judiciary justifies the instincts of Walsh. I'd be surprised if Lescinski gets another gig any time soon and I will be keen to see the ref listings for this coming weekend. I do agree that the NZ commentators are a mile in front of the Aussie and SA media blokes.
Dale
Guest
Spanners
Guest
The charge was thrown out tonight by the judiciary. It wasn't an eye gouge.