Ben O’Keeffe, take a bow!
In what could only be described as the most scintillating match of the tournament between Japan and Scotland, the Brave Blossoms’ crisp attack and beautiful offloads led to a World Cup finals berth. The Scots rallied and waged an admirable comeback but ultimately fell short. Despite the exhilarating performances from both sides, it was Ben O’Keeffe’s officiating that stood out above all.
Referee Ben O’Keeffe impressed in the Japan vs Scotland clash. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
O’Keeffe showed a game awareness that hadn’t previously been seen at this World Cup, when a suspected high tackle from Scotland’s Jonny Gray in the 29th minute was referred to him by the TMO.
Going off previous games and refereeing decisions, it could be argued that this would have likely been a cardable offence.
However, after reviewing the tackle, he decided that he did not see clear foul play. There was an unfortunate clash of heads, but he understood there was a drop of the ball-carrier’s body and the defender had tried to make a good tackle, which resulted in a penalty instead. This showed O’Keeffe’s brilliant game awareness in considering the intent of the tackler when making his decision.
He was also faced with a 45th-minute Kerevi-esque forearm bump from a Brave Blossoms ball carrier to the chin of Scottish hooker Fraser Brown. Even after Brown’s multiple attempts to persuade the referee that the forearm was illegal, O’Keeffe wasn’t having any of it.
Brown proceeded to sit on his knee while holding his shoulder in an attempt to gain the attention of the referee. As Rod Kafer said, “I don’t think Ben O’Keeffe, will be fooled by that”.
The Japan vs Scotland officiating has set the example of how to ensure a great contest is nurtured. Ben O’Keeffe provided a perfect mix of control and flow, allowing the game to be fought and won solely by the opposing sides.
If O’Keeffe’s refereeing of Japan vs Scotland is a display of what’s to come, we are in for an exciting finish to the World Cup.
Colin
Guest
Totally agree. At last a sensible approach from a referee that will enhance rather than ruin the game. Please make all the other refs watch what he did. Especially Mr Romain Poite!!!!!
Adamo
Guest
As a Scotland fan, it was saddening to see the Scotland players leading the way in whining at the ref and attempting to draw out cards with the type of play acting done by Fraser Brown. This behaviour will become the norm if the referees continue on this path of not attempting to distinguish between accidental and intentional. Ben O’Keefe did make the distinction and is rightly being lauded as a result, leaving Fraser Brown sitting on his bum looking rather daft.
Jarrod Murray
Roar Rookie
Good point RedandBlack. There has always been a huge variation between Northern and Southern Hemisphere referees and the ability to adapt to the referee remains a pivotal task for any rugby team especially at rugby's biggest stage!
RedandBlack
Guest
Without disagreeing with you I would just add the rider here that although we want refs to allow this type of game to develop we must be careful that they do not end up directing the game solely down these channels. Part of the greatness of rugby is the variety of answers it provides to the questions posed by the opposition - you must not just be good at your game you have to be able to counter theirs. We must never attempt to officiate out the power and territory game or whatever legal plan the coach comes up with in favour of 'running rugby' as to do so will make all our footy one flavour and take away from the tension of fans not knowing how a game will play out. There will always be trends in coaching but they should be based on success not officialdom.
ShaghaiDoc
Roar Rookie
South African s and Kiwis, the only tier one countries, think Barnes is a dreadful referee who is biased against SH, (Superior Hemisphere), sides. He is selected by the Gerrymander voting system that World Rugby uses. He has more All Blacks losses on his belt than all other present day referees combined. Has anyone forgotten 2007 when he overlooked 3,473 French assaults upon the laws of the game? He once spotted a forward pass but alas he was wrong. He also once had to ask the TMO if a field goal was successful. Owens is the only Celtic official who has been worth feeding in the long history of the game.
Stuart Robson
Guest
Totally agree. O'keeffes refereeing was the best I have seen all tournament. Great to see him stand up to and over rule the TMO. Game played at speed and refereed at speed. Thats what I want to see!
Jarrod Murray
Roar Rookie
On the money Phil. Too many referees consider the TMOs as all-knowing and that what they say goes. As you said great to see him put the TMO in his place. I would like to see more of it!
Jarrod Murray
Roar Rookie
Is there a dislike button?
Jarrod Murray
Roar Rookie
Need a bit of O'Keeffe about them. Have the ability to just say, "thanks for the review Skeen but we are playing on".
Jarrod Murray
Roar Rookie
No doubt Drew Mitchell will not be happy!
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
I see we got Garces, I don't mind that- but what worries me they've given him Skeen which the frenchies haven't managed well all WC?
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Shame, he goes and Skeen stays. To make matters worse, he's our TMO against England. The other three officials are all French.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Good reffing display but I struggled to see how the Gray high tackle and head butt was much different from Hodge or Lavanini. The logic with Hodge was that if you go high-ish around the shoulders then it’s your fault if you collect the player in the head even if they do something to contribute to the outcome. So if the officials want to be consistent they should cite Gray and give him a three match ban, presumably covering the Six Nations. But I’m glad he didn’t get a red in the game.
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Reckon you're on the money SA
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
I've been impressed by Paul Williams
Humey
Guest
Skeen is our TMO with Poite and another French guy as assistant refs SKEEEEEEEEN ?? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH !!!
FatOldHalfback
Roar Rookie
Pity O'Keefe hasn't got a QF as GibbonRib informs me the refs are: Garcès – England v Australia Owens – New Zealand v Ireland Peyper – Wales v France Barnes – Japan v South Africa
Dave
Guest
Garces, Poite and Skeen for the Eng/Oz match :silly:
Kiwi in East Perth
Guest
It's the French Ref's that tend to make me a bit nervous. Barnes as well does tend to be a bit pedantic but at least he is consistent and communicates very well so you know what you are going to get. As stated by previous posts there are 4 stand out referees (all Non-French) and they should get the posts of the finals. Let the best person get the job as long as they are neutral.
Phil
Guest
I can't say I have ever been a big fan of O'Keeffe in the past but must agree his control of the game contributed a lot to what we witnessed.Great to be able to praise a ref instead of the usual criticism. The other ref who impressed me over the weekends matches was Nick Berry in the Ireland Samoa game.He also communicated very well with the players and wasn't afraid to put the TMO in his place when he didn't agree with him.