Last week SANZAAR made a right royal mess of the Super Rugby referees for the sudden-death quarterfinals.
Not one of the four games had a neutral whistler.
The Crusaders and Sharks in Christchurch had a Kiwi in Mike Fraser, the Hurricanes and Chiefs in Wellington had another Kiwi Glen Jackson, the Waratahs and Highlanders at Allianz had Australian Angus Gardner, while the Lions and Jaguares at Ellis Park had South African Jaco Peyper.
It appears SANZAAR never gave a thought to neutrality, but with some common sense, even a little, surely the governing body could see there was genuine grounds for fans to kick up a stink.
The self-made problem was easily fixed.
Angus Gardner could have controlled the Crusaders-Sharks clash, Jaco Peyper the Hurricanes-Chiefs game, Mike Fraser was the junior ref of the four so South African Marius van der Westhuizen could have replaced Fraser for the Waratahs and Highlanders game, with Glen Jackson to ref the Lions-Jaguares clash.
This is a very simple fix, and no-one could possibly accuse any ref of being biased towards the home side.
It’s a mute point as every referee could, and should, be impartial.
But when neutrality is operative, the miffed fans have no possible grounds to complain.
With the two semis this weekend, the two best referees Angus Gardner and Glen Jackson must be on duty.
Gardner must control the Crusaders-Hurricanes semi in Christchurch, and Jackson the Lions-Waratahs clash at Ellis Park.
If it’s a Crusaders-Lions final, that should go to Gardner.
If it’s a Crusaders-Waratahs final, neither Gardner nor Jackson should be in control, which is unfair to both as the best in the business.
(AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Jaco Peyper is the next best bet and should continue the neutral theme, the South African will be the go.
One referee who should never appear with a whistle, or even on touch, is, in my opinion, the worst referee on the panel – Kiwi Ben O’Keeffe.
One day SANZAAR might get something right, but don’t hold your breath waiting for it.
EDITOR’S NOTE: SANZAAR has stated that the appointment of referees for the Super Rugby finals are merit-based and their selection has included direct input from the Super Rugby head coaches.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Well done Brett Case closed.
PeterK
Roar Guru
no I have been very consistent calling for neutral refs.
ajg
Guest
Totally agree I also find it quite amusing that when all the 50/50 calls were going against aussie sides everyone was braying for neutral refs. This week it slightly benefited one aussie team and now everyone thinks its a non-issue Just wait for peyper to make even one marginal call favouring the lions and the tune will change again
Jacko
Guest
Piru its the Fans that buy pay TV......Not the F...in Refs.....not SANZAR .......so to write off the fans is to crap on your financial backers....Do you believe Fox or Sky are going to purchase a product that the fans hate?????????
Brett McKay
Expert
Mine is straight from the SANZAAR announcement this morning.
piru
Roar Rookie
very interesting that most roar posters who don’t support neutral refs are kiwis, What's more surprising is you've once again decided to play identity politics and pull out the 'all kiwis think x' card. Actually that's not surprising at all
piru
Roar Rookie
It's a shame, because for certain people it's a great job. I wonder if we should implement a system whereby once you get your ref accreditation you get a special hat you can wear which entitles you to comment on refereeing. No hat, no opinion
piru
Roar Rookie
Why should a struggling comp shell out thousands more on flying and accommodating referees all over the shop just to take away one point whingers use to deflect from a loss? You think no one will complain about the refs if they come from a different country? Sure they will, it just gives them one less rock to throw - these 'fans' can't be allowed to dictate how the comp is run.
Objective
Guest
Yes CS, funny how Lord's original ramblings have now been conveniently edited !!
Jacko
Guest
RW are you an Aussie Ref?.....might have to get TJ to correct you
Jacko
Guest
No narrative RW.....If I didnt see it I cant comment on it...im a Chiefs Fan
concerned supporter
Guest
HI Brett, Your referee announcement is the opposite from David Lord.
Brett McKay
Expert
Carlos, I really have no idea what you think I've said. None of this makes any sense to me...
Brett McKay
Expert
Jaco Peyper to ref #SuperRugby SF1 #CRUvHUR in Christchurch, Glenn Jackson to control SF2 #LIOvWAR in Johannesburg. SANZAAR: "In line with previous years, appointments are merit-based and their selection has included direct input from the Super Rugby head coaches."
Jerry
Guest
Who are all these Kiwis who don't want neutral refs, Peter?
Nobrain
Roar Guru
No way, but you can keep credibility with the right moves. If the situation is creating a conflict and it is easy to fix , why not take the steps and avoid the conflict. To much to gain and very little to lose, anyway is how I see it. I never said that all refs are biased, but some may be or perceive like they are, so take the easy steps to address the issue and avoid criticism. Nobody is asking for something out the question. It is very simple to fix.
taylorman
Roar Guru
And we all also remember when Joubert refereed the final involving the same two in the final of the SR in 14 where the neutral ref erred to give a penalty he later admitted he made an error. The are examples of errors in both scenarios. Yet we act on only the one...where bias is assumed
taylorman
Roar Guru
So credibility is gained by assuming all Refs are biased? Ok then.
Bodger
Guest
A tough gig being a ref at the moment.
Carlos the Argie
Guest
There you go, becoming quite predictable. Do you tweet all caps too?