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Let me take you to the 56th minute of last Saturday’s match between the Waratahs and Sharks.
The referee had just told Michael Hooper that a red card was to be shown to Jed Holloway. Did the Tahs skipper accept the decision and get on with the game? No. He argued with the ref, interrupting him as he explained his decision-making.
Hooper said, “It’s not intentional on the head. He was not looking at him. You can’t say that. He’s connected,” to which the ref responded, “I’ve seen it differently, Michael”. He sent Holloway off.
Firstly, Hooper persists with arguing with referees. He might do so less frequently than he once did, but he still does it way too much. Arguing with a referee is pointless – I am yet seen a ref change his mind about a send-off.
Waratahs player Jed Holloway (Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Even if it was an incorrect decision, no amount of dissent is going to change it. Graciously and properly Darryl Gibson conceded the correctness of the decision in post-match comments.
Further, of what relevance is a captain’s view of the referee’s decision? Answer: none. It is of exactly as much import as what the referee thinks about a captain’s tactical decision to kick at goal or go for a lineout. If it isn’t relevant, don’t say it. Referees don’t. Neither should captains.
If Hooper is to remain captain of the Wallabies for the Rugby World Cup, I hope he changes his approach. Honey attracts more flies than vinegar, and Northern hemisphere referees won’t tolerate that style of captaincy. Try it on with Nigel Owens and see how far it gets you.
Secondly, Holloway’s actions were prompted by a cynical act of cheating by Thomas du Toit. As Jed left the scrum, Thomas held him back. Holloway was understandably provoked. His reaction was excessive, but that does not detract from the tiny-mindedness of du Toit.
Too often in the past such niggling conduct has gone unpunished, and because it goes unpunished, players keep doing it.
I applaud the referee’s decision to bin him, but were it not for Du Toit, none of the entire unsavoury incident would have happened at all.
All in all, the incident was well handled by the referee and the Waratahs coach.
The players need to learn something from it, though. Holloway certainly will. The minimum entry level for a strike to the head is six weeks. The most a judiciary can reduce it is by half – but he’ll be lucky to get only six weeks for an elbow to the head in this day and age.
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.