Whether you like it or not, the 2014 Super Rugby season, in particular, has been one ruled by referees – and they will again play their role in the competition semi-finals.
The on-field officiating duties have been bifurcated between Glen Jackson and Jaco Peyper respectively, both seasoned officials with very different styles and judicial approaches to the game. Consequently, as much as the four sides competing on the weekend will have to play their opponent, they will also have to play the referee.
This is most significant for game two under the guidance of Peyper. The Waratahs and Brumbies will have to be clinical at the breakdown and, in particular, the set piece. Peyper has averaged 19 scrum resets per game this season – and appears content to award penalties and resets alike.
This could be significant in the latter stages of the game as clock management becomes an issue.
The South African-born referee is also noted as a frequent ‘momentum shifter’ – and does use his regulatory power to alter a game’s dynamic from one side to another. Such refereeing intervention prompted Lions’ head coach Johan Ackermann to ask for clarity on certain questionable calls during the side’s loss to the Sharks in Durban.
Wallabies fans may also remember a ‘no try’ call and Ma’a Nonu shoulder charge that went unpunished in the sides 15th consecutive loss to the All Blacks. Waratahs supporters who follow referees closely may be nervous after hearing that Peyper has been appointed to officiate the second semi-final – the side has an unfavourable record with him on the field.
Moreover, with noted whistle-blower Craig Joubert acting as assistant referee, the officiating body could materially influence the all-Australian semi-final.
Conversely, Glen Jackson, a Saracens centurion and Barbarian, who will be refereeing the Crusaders vs. Sharks game is widely regarded to favour the attacking side, in doing so, erring on the side of positive rugby.
This will benefit contrasting aspects for both sides. After the Sharks set-piece annihilation of the Highlanders the Sharks will favour their scrum and will look to be afforded concession on the basis of positive, attacking set piece play. If they play to their game, this could be worth quite a bit if the Crusaders concede penalties in their 45 metre zone.
Contrastingly, the Crusaders backs will benefit from the attacking game the Jackson likes to govern. Ultimately, as Jackson is less inclined to throw his weight around the opening semi-final in New Zealand should be dictated by the players, rather than the men in pink.
The Super Rugby finals thus far have been an incredible spectacle – hopefully, that form continues.
Chow
Guest
For the record when write wow, just wow you're not meant to write anything else.
Buk
Guest
Thanks for correction, Chivas, was unaware of that
Sandy
Guest
Nick Mallett also had something to say about the lack of respect senior players' have towards the ref. http://m.news24.com/sport24/rugby/super15/ref-back-chatting-upsets-mallett-20140714
Sandy
Guest
Me too
Dave
Guest
SA was a fortress at home and NZ was a fortress in NZ. SA only had one major success down there in 1937 (plus a couple of drawn series I have read books written by NZ journos and players I have read books written about SA journos and players Lets face it there was mud on both sides. The legend that SA refs were biased and NZ refs were squeaky clean is just that ... a legend Most rugby supporters (on both sides of the ocean) rely on bar room stories told by flatulent oldies in blazers. If you are going to rely on such anecdotal evidence then one has to listen to anecdotes from people in both green and black blazers
Stellenbosched
Guest
Ok, ladies (?) and gents. After all the sparring above, I have one question. Is it possible to have sour grapes BEFORE the game has been played? Just wondering. Surely it would be the same as being pregnant while still a virgin? Hang on, that's been done already!!
PeterK
Roar Guru
I do not know if the crowd would of actually assaulted me, that has never happened, it is just verbal abuse , but better to be safe than sorry.
Yes, I should thinkmore carefully how I word sentences at times, I should simply have said, inspite of Steve Walsh being a born and bred kiwi, I see him as a neutral referee when officiating SA vs NZ games.
Dave
Guest
Jeepers PeterK. In Aus? At the risk of sounding like I support the class structure - In SA rugby goes across most economic classes.Poor people brought up in communities with lots of crime and drug dealing play rugby. Our well-off areas are more like you see in Aus, NZ or UK (with better security). I am not saying that the odd private school dad doesn't get over-excited when little Johnny is playing an important game for the U14As but overall rugby support at such schools and clubs is peaceful. At the risk of generalising rugby support in some of the poor communities gets corrupted by the local hoodlums. Most of the spectators are nice, one-eyed, rugby loving people. I have even seen a small cricket game go wrong when the umpires, visiting team locked themselves in a small changing hut and the home side was trying to calm the home supporters - In Australia I have always assumed rugby would be peaceful. Then again if Banker Jim (I made up his name) can get upset with son Johnny's U14A ref I suppose it can happen anywhere
Chivas
Guest
You think wrong... he played plenty of games for Waikato.
Buk
Guest
To reply to your query re pay, Wazza, I read somewhere UK international refs get about 55,000 pounds sterling a year, which very roughly approximates to your 100K for down here; no idea how many games they have to ref, but I presume they would have to also ref lower level games on a regular basis. Definitely a job for those who love the game
soapit
Guest
its in the phrasing of your fist comment bil, "i have respect for walsh despite being a born and bred kiwi". lost in translation it seems
Jerry
Guest
Cheers, missed that one. Still, as regards Jackson that's just nowhere near enough of a sample to make any meaningful conclusions. I'm all for neutral refs, but breaking the discussion down to this level is pointless. The Sharks lost away to 3 teams who all won at least 10 matches in the season the match took place in. Not really surprising.
soapit
Guest
whereas "whatever" demonstrates an incredible comprehension of the point being made. with your skillful use of teenage catchphrases like this i'm amazed anyone ever misses the true depths of your arguments
Buk
Guest
Atawhai, correct never played for Crusaders, only Chiefs in Super rugby. But minor point, I think he only ever played for Bay of Plenty in provincial rugby.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Jerry - Sharks beat the Blues AWAY under Walsh
WQ
Guest
Walsh the form ref?????
Jak
Guest
"I am just enjoying the fact that a poster who tried to belittle other posters’ intelligence in this very thread messed up basic definitions." ha ha.
wazza perth nz ex pat
Guest
And I thought a GURU was someone who knew what they were talking about - as opposed to someone who just keeps on talking, and talking zzzzzzzzz
Red Kev
Roar Guru
You seem to be the only person worked up - using multiple sequential punctuation marks and all-CAPS text. I am just enjoying the fact that a poster who tried to belittle other posters' intelligence in this very thread messed up basic definitions. The only way it could be more delicious would be if you'd posted "there" instead of "they're" somewhere.