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As a man who has loved rugby since I was seven, I commonly hear things said by players, coaches, commentators, fans and my fellow referees that get my goat.
Here are a list of some of the things that tick me off the most.
1. This team is physical
Look, rugby is a sport played by men and women that are tall and heavy. It is a sport which is played at speed, power, players tackle each other and there are scrum engagements.
I am pretty sure every country that will be competing in the World Cup will be physical.
2. Commentators up in arms over crocked throws
The law states that that the ball has to be on the inside shoulder so it does not have to be dead straight. There are many things that go on in a line-out that are more important than a throw not being straight.
For example, a man being tackled in the air, backline offside, more than two receivers, lifting early, leaving line-out early, throw not going five metres and much more. Referees are wrong to pull up a crocked throw if there was an early lift by the non-throwing team.
3. This referee made a non-decision
I have attended many referee seminars where the lecturer said “this ref made a non-decision”. A ‘non-decision’ is still made, therefore it is definitely still a decision.
4. Technically correct penalties
Now in the IRB lawbook, it talks about the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. There are penalties that happen in the game where you go “what the hell!” It is most a penalty like “player going off feet” and you look back while the referee go it right, it is one of those where you could penalise at every ruck and not one that looked clear and obvious to the average viewer.
5. You always take the points on offer (meaning penalty goal attempts)
There are times where you are better off taking the scrum, quick tap or kick for touch. There was a game where Chris Robshaw once chose to kick for goal with England down by four against the Springboks with two minutes to go and I thought that was one of the worst captaincy decisions I have ever seen.
There will be times where you need to go for a try.
6. People who want the points for drop goals reduced
I do believe that penalty goals should be reduced to one point and tries increased to six. But the most underrated aspect of rugby is drop goal kicking. Drop Goals should stay at three points as they are more exciting than penalty goals, harder to score and a lot more skill is required.
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.