Opinion
The game of rugby union, in its purity, is one of the greatest games on earth.
The ball is contested at all times and the skill sets from 1 through 15 (23) are so different.
I have just finished watching the Drua-Tahs game, and it was fantastic. Yes, the Tahs were well in front at the conclusion, but the passion from Fiji is supreme.
The Tahs showed some great advances from last year and should make the eight.
One issue I have (as we all do) is refereeing.
Now before I go on, I believe the game was officiated pretty well. But one thing I have noted is (as others have): north vs south.
From when I was young in the ’80s I loving playing and watching rugby. The south had the running game and the north was forward dominated.
Now the north are embracing the running game more and, I believe, are dominating world rugby.
I think this great. I’d love to see Ireland and France give it a crack. All Blacks and Springboks are always there and throw in the Wallabies, Scotland and Wales, and anyone can win.
Back to my point on the referees.
It’s about the inconsistencies. I’ve watched some of the games in the northern hemisphere and it appears that it’s okay to let ‘minor infringements’ go.
World Rugby wants to crack down on head knocks and that’s understood, but why is it that the south have send-offs and the north do not?
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There has to be consistency. This game is the best played for all sizes, but seeing club teams in the north allowed to ‘minor infringe’ with little penalty, versus an incidental head knock in a Test resulting in a send-off seems off.
I’m not a statistician, but if anyone could provide how many Wallaby, All Black, and Springbok players are yellow or red carded in an international versus the Six Nations, I’d welcome the feedback.
I love the game, I love the people. World Rugby has done a job that most bag, so I’m not having a go, but European rugby has far less yellow or red cards than southern. Perhaps I’m one-eyed.
I loved watching the Super Rugby last night.
To the Drua: two or three more years, and you’re in a final.
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.
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