The historical hard done by stories attributed to Craig Joubert in the wake of his inauspicious handling of Scotland versus Australia, which kept many of The Roar’s readers up until obscenely late, have leeched out across all media platforms.
It was heartbreaking for us Scots. Across all sports I don’t think I’ve felt so gutted since Brazil’s late goal against us in Italia 1990 or when Gavin Hastings missed in the Rugby World Cup semi-final in 1991.
As can be seen from only these two references, Scotland’s ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory (or even merely the hope of victory) is close to unrivalled in world sport.
Mr Joubert got it wrong. Okay, referees get it wrong, horribly so sometimes.
It’s not the first time he has made a mistake and nor will it be his last. But fair play for making the decision (I’ve had a day of furniture breaking in the confines of my own home so am now reattaining my equilibrium).
The rules set in place currently do not allow referral to the TMO. Perhaps the touch judge could have helped more?
Coulda, shoulda, woulda. It’s done.
But to run from the field without acknowledging either set of players is very poor.
Are the reports of the bottle being thrown confirmed? Where did it occur? I would have thought staying in the middle of the pitch would have been a long throw. If it was close to that area, then I think the person responsible should make himself known as I am sure there would be several sporting franchises who would gladly pay the fine in return for the signature of an arm like that.
Or maybe Joubert really couldn’t hold it in for another five minutes.
Rugby, for all its brutality and intensity, is a game built on respect. Yes, there would have been some outrage from the Scots after the whistle, but I would find it hard to believe that there would be a threat to safety.
The Wallabies shook hands with us, and we with them. To think that that would change towards the officials goes against how the game is played day after day across the world.
The 82,199 paying spectators were there to watch the spectacle of rugby and for the most part it would not be their first rodeo. A rugby crowd is vocal but knowledgeable. Was Joubert really that fearful? Surely he has encountered similar atmospheres before?
It is sad that the powers that be have deemed it necessary to so publicly undermine him. But this also from a body (albeit a different part of it) that had given five-week bans to two Scots, which were then reduced to three weeks and then quashed altogether. I am both glad that they have clarified it as an error, but in the same breath surprised at the official nature of the response.
I’m a humble supporter that follows many sports at many levels, so forgive my ignorance of the nuances of the game. (It has been some considerable time since I played the game and it has come a long way since my involvement ceased.)
But in terms of the referee’s ability to respond, is there a mechanism whereby Joubert can issue a statement or give an interview to give his side of the story?
It would put everything to bed. Yes, there will always be argument over the try that never was due to the Will Genia knock-on, and Sean Maitland’s yellow, but if Joubert opened up about it, held his hands up and said something like…
‘People, I’ve had another look myself, it was possibly not my best game, possibly not my worst. There were a lot of right calls, maybe a few wrong ones. A lot has been said about the error, and in hindsight, from 32 camera angles, it would appear that the decision was incorrect.
‘In real time, with the view I had, I believed it was the right call, and I stand by what I saw at the time. The TMO was not available so the final call was mine. We’re all human and we all make mistakes.’
I would stand and applaud. That would be enough for me. And for 98 per cent of the rest of the world (and by rest of the world I mean Scotland of course) that would be enough too.
In the bygone era of rugby before professionalism, the Calcutta Cup was played for each year between two sworn enemies from either side of the Scotland-England border. For 80 minutes it was attrition, hatred, get your retaliation in first, the good old amateur days.
But the dents and scratches in that trophy are from where it has been dropped and kicked from pub to pub along the road when it was taken out on the town… by both sets of players together. If we can stand side by side with our enemy and have a beer, then I for one would buy Joubert one for being big enough to stand up.
And let’s be completely honest here, if anyone on The Roar knows a Scotsman, you’ll know that we’ll be talking about this not just for years to come, but for generations and millennia. But you know what, most of us will do it tongue in cheek, with a glint in the eye.
And being even more honest, if the penalty have not been given, Australia would have won the scrum and from that, after the 42nd phase and five minutes past the 80, Bernard Foley (or let’s make it even more extravagant, Stephen Moore) would no doubt have stepped up and slotted a drop goal.
Congratulations to all four semi-finalists.
Oh Flower of Scotland…
Boosho
Roar Pro
I see what you did there.
wardad
Guest
I would be happy to put those poor soccer boys out of their agony and I wouldnt waste any bullets either .My fishing 'priest' is a lead pipe cinch .....
Gaxman
Guest
Dons, really, really good read. It is nice to hear some sound logic and mention of the respect that rugby should always have. I'm an Aussie, and I as truly annoyed by the over confidence of many here about how easy it was going to be to beat Scotland. At world cups, history has shown that anything can happen. Drew Mitchell said it well after the game. He said something like this, "You have to feel for the Scots, they played well and nobody likes to lose a game that way. I have lost a few games in the same way and they are hard to take". It's very unfortunate that the game was decided in that way. I can completely understand how you feel. However, mostly I appreciate your mature attitude and understanding that in sport as much as it hurts sometimes bad s#$t like this happens. The only thing I think is sad is the way some like Hastings reacted. If my memory serves me correctly. Joubert was also the ref in the 2014 Tahs v Crusaders final and made an incorrect decision against MacCaw, effectively handing the Tahs the game. He later admitted that he made a mistake. The Crusaders were devastated and rightly so, but I thought they handled the situation with aplomb. Just as you have Dons. Let's face it the situation sucks. The Scots are unfairly out and the Wallabies will be illegitimate champions (if they do it) in some people's eyes.
paleocortex
Guest
thanks Dons83. Nice article. Nice sentiment. I too (wallaby supporter by birth) felt for Scotland in '91 (and a tiny bit this time too!). Would have been nice to meet you guys in the '91 final. Scotland's day will come. For the moment someone...anyone...just has to go and beat those Kiwis...perhaps it will be Argentina's World Cup (though naturally I'd prefer Australia). Long live sport and thank you to all referees who make sport possible at all levels. Keep your chin up Craig Joubert.
Dons83
Roar Rookie
ClarkeG I did say Scotland would find an even more extravagant way of snatching that defeat didn't I? Ha ha
Dons83
Roar Rookie
Jcr Thanks for your comment, Brisbane Boy also. The piece started off as a bit of a comment on another thread. but meandered to something a little longer. In the middle I do address the issue of the respect. And I absolutely agree with you both on this issue. There should be some cooler heads now that the pressure valves have been reset. During my playing days (however mediocre they may have been), It was always Sir when referring to the referee, and I do not believe that this has changed. Indeed, in the article, prior to it's editing by THE ROAR, I refer to Craig Joubert as Mr Joubert wherever you now see only his surname. I felt it was important to the piece to show respect in that way despite the fire he has come under. Respect is also a two way street and if it is given by the players, I would expect it to be shown by officials also. and therein I disagree with the action of leaving the field immediately. But, we will never know the exact circumstances of that either, so no point in dwelling anymore. Perhaps, in the cold light (though being a Scot living in Queensland I find that to be somewhat of an oxymoron) of the days since and those following, some people will look at themselves, review and improve. Obviously only until the next time of course.
ken
Guest
To all you Scottish "we was robbed" whingers... lets have a re-match... see how it goes. You wont get within coo-ee. We all agree that it was a 50-50 call... but so were all the Scots penalties at the scrum. nuff said.
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
If Moore had slotted that field goal that would have been extravagant indeed considering he was not on the field at that time.
Dons83
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the support Nick. It was written from a point of view of mild catharsis I think. Seems that for a few, the war still rages. On both sides. But I hope that even through the most one eyed view points (and neutral perspectives of course) that it raised a smile or entertained in some way.
Dons83
Roar Rookie
Luke, Appreciate the comment. The statement of ownership of the decision was purely a personal (though possibly National) suggestion rather than an irate demand. If it reads differently then that is purely from a lack of focus from the author (me) Of course it is entirely the right of any referee to make those calls and not have to explain. And we as participants (be it players, former players, Ardent or fairweather fans) accept that stance regardless of the fury that it fills us with. Sport is a wonderful and polarising facet of shared experience, and I for one will continue to watch with avid interest whatever sport whenever I have an opportunity. Despite the knocks and bumps.
whydoncha
Guest
You guys certainly have long memories. This from an article in The Telegraph quoting the Justice Secretary Michael Gove: "He joked that Britain had "perhaps" not seen a worse decision since the 1685 "Bloody Assizes" – when dozens of people were sentenced to death for rebelling against King James II. Mr Gove, who was born in Edinburgh and educated in Aberdeen, did not name Joubert when speaking to judges and lawyers". We weren't even "discovered" in 1685 and some people are flat out remembering what they had for breakfast yesterday morning. And I guess that's the beauty of dementia. You can hide your own Easter eggs :-)
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
You're assuming he saw it as a ruck.
GJ
Guest
Thanks Lindsay. The Scots' renowned sense of humour is why I decided to place it on an Australian Rugby Forum rather than a Scottish nationalist web site. Besides, I've lost Roy Williamson's number. If anyone expects this to go away soon, please remember the Scots do not forget. Bannockburn happened 1314 and they still sing about it.
Johnny Utah
Guest
and Laidlaw knocked on in the pool match against Samoa which sealed their spot in the 1/4ers. How far back do we want to take it? Working on that theory the WB's should have been playing Japan. Time to me move on Scotland
Buk
Guest
Great article Dons. I have one half scottish ancestory, I know my scottish cousins and friends will be telling me for the next 40 years how they were robbed. With a good laugh and wee dram.
Lindsay Amner
Roar Guru
Scotland have a history of glorious defeats, at war and on various sports fields. You would not be Scottish if you were not able to cope with punching above your weight but still being punched to the ground by bigger and better opponents. What other country has a national anthem about its sole major military victory?
Lindsay Amner
Roar Guru
Luvit, summed it up beautifully Mr Slav
Lindsay Amner
Roar Guru
Flower of Scotland celebrates Scotland's one great victory over the English, so I'm not sure that adding a verse based on another defeat is actually appropriate. Scotland have many defeats to remember but we shouldn't sully the song celebrating the one great victory with verses about defeat, no matter how braw or glorious
jcr
Guest
Good reading. l don't believe the ref needs to say anything and even if he did an " I ran the game as I saw it " is all that's needed. As anyone who's played the game knows , the ref I is God out there . I think Brisbane Boy raised a very important point , the respect issue towards refs etc . That needs to be enshrined in the rugby ethos. Imagine every decision being made being greeted by soccer type response ! PS . I've always wondered why soccer refs don't get issued a pistol so they can put down the poor players who are in mortal agony writhing on the ground under the pain of a split end , surely it would be more humane.
Chris
Guest
Illegitimate - Scotland were the only illegitimate team in that quarter final benefitting from an incorrect call to sneak past Samoa and deny Japan their spot in the final.