The Brumbies have gone to the extraordinary length of commissioning profiles on individual referees as they plot a path to their first Super Rugby title in 10 years.
On the eve of the biggest derby in Australian rugby in more than a decade, coach Stephen Larkham admitted the Brumbies also had leading referee Steve Walsh visit the club at the start of the season to offer advice.
In a revelation sure to fire up the NSW Waratahs ahead of Saturday’s knockout semi-final with their arch rivals, it’s been revealed the Brumbies have been utilising the expertise of a specialist member of staff to produce dossiers on match officials.
Brumbies referee development officer Mark Snow has been charged with producing profiles of the men who adjudicate the side’s Super Rugby clashes.
It’s unclear whether Snow, a former referee himself, has prepared a file on South African Jaco Peyper, who will take charge of Saturday’s blockbuster showdown in Sydney.
Larkham, when contacted by AAP on Wednesday, confirmed Snow was engaged in providing “an insight into the referees” and that it was “preparation for a standard week”.
“We certainly don’t try and cheat or anything like that,” Larkham said.
“But we know the importance of good, clear communication between the referee and the captain. We know how important that is.”
Larkham said it was about “understanding how they interpret the game – that’s the key for it really”.
But he said the team does not necessarily moderate its behaviour based on the information gleaned from Snow’s reports.
“Not as a team, I wouldn’t say. The team goes through phases throughout the season where we are talking to the referee too much … but generally, we go out in a game and the only person that’s meant to talk to the referee is our captain … that’s our philosophy.
“It’s not so much about giving us an edge. It’s making sure we don’t make any mistakes out there on the field that will let decisions come into it.”
Larkham confirmed, too, that referee Walsh had visited Brumbies HQ earlier this year.
When it was put to Larkham that Walsh, a leading candidate to control Saturday week’s final, was one referee who the Brumbies had issues with in the past, he said that was no longer the case.
“He came down to training and gave us a few pointers as to what the referees had discussed and what they’re looking for in this Super Rugby campaign,” Larkham said.
“I think he’s done a fantastic job in terms of re-inventing himself as a referee. Yeah, we’re very happy with the way he does his job at the moment.”
Cal Retinin
Guest
I am currently working on a few suggestions for tweaking the laws of the game... The first change I would make is to reduce the number of players per team by fourteen and increase the number of referees by the same amount. With 15 referees on the field and only one player per side it should be possible to eliminate any undue influence the players might otherwise have on the result. To overcome any subconscious bias the players might have towards their own side, I suggest the concept of neutral players co-opted from another club, and preferably from another sport entirely. Hoping Mr Pulver can give this a run in the forthcoming NRC.
Squirrel
Guest
What a waste of energy , it won't help you overcome the power of the tah pack . Stupid mentality to focus on a ref
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
Thick as ..........? :(
Chris
Guest
There would be something seriously wrong if they didn't.
Bunratty
Guest
Very smart!
bryan
Guest
Seriously, why is this an issue? I'd be more surprised if they didn't. We do this in C Grade Soccer in Darwin and Division 5 mixed touch. "Alright guys, we know this ref goes a long 5m, so make sure you get that extra step back" "Ok people, you know this ref is an ex-defender, so don't expect many free kicks from people kicking you" "Make sure you don't chat at all to this ref because is liable to send you off at the first offense" Hell, I'd be more surprised if they didn't do it. People on this website already profile referees.
Firstxv
Guest
Since he got over M?...you mean... :-)
Steve
Guest
Looks to me like an un-informed journalist trying to make some story where there really is none. Every team at professional or amateur does this to an extent. Why else would they ever bother with telling teams who the referee appointments are before games. As for the quote "in a revelation sure to fire up the NSW waratahs". This journo must be kidding! Why the hell would a team doing research on the referee fire up an opposition. The waratahs will be doing the same, and I'm sure they frankly couldn't care less that the Brumbies are doing it too.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Larkham is very correct on Walsh, he has been superb since his renaissance.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Since a major part of the brumbies game plan is cynical systematic infringing at the bd especially in their own 22 of course they will study the refs. This gives them the required knowledge of what they can get away with the most and how many times before a yellow is issued.
Chivas
Guest
I would be surprised that you really get it, considering your own comments are hardly balanced when it comes to this matter, but maybe....
El Gamba
Roar Guru
I'm with you.
Firstxv
Guest
Can't see why this would be seen as extraordinary at all. Refs play a huge part of the game. Analysis plays a big part of the game... Durrr...Does one and one make...? I'd be amazed if sides didn't and havn't already done this for years.
Jack
Guest
It's an indictment of the way the game is run that profiling referees is necessary. They should all interpret the rules in the same manner and strive to be consistent.
I think everyone "got" what you meant, without putting words in your mouth, perhaps it is high time you do the same.
Chivas
Guest
...I meant.. OMG, now there is an idea, play to the ref. I could only wish that idea was picked up and understood by some of the SA fans who contribute to this site. Would make a pleasant change to unsubstantiated claims of refereeing bias. But that would be like hoping that Bismark was born a NZer.
Chivas
Guest
OMG, now there is an isea play to the ref. that idea apparently hasn't filtered through to SA based in comments by some fans.
Bricktop
Guest
There is an easier way than profiling a ref. Pay him off. Some of the decisions in both union and league this year have had me wondering. Surely a gold watch and 50k would be suffice
Rotuma Island
Guest
if Walsh is the referee then the Brumbies are screwed, he man marked Alexander in the last 2games he controlled mostly the early engagements in the scrums.
Smart move, I wonder whether it will pay off though.