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Philou

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‘On the bright side, dragging matters out for so long afforded us the privilege of enjoying South African rugby writer Mark Keohane’s perceptive and nuanced analysis for even longer.’ Am I wrong in remembering Keo was actually born in Kiwiland? Any chance we in SA can disown and deport him, so he can go and spread his cocaine-fuelled fertilizer elsewhere?

The Wrap: Life in the times of Quade and Covid - rugby’s sublime and ridiculous moments of 2021

Yeah, I have a lot of sympathy with that point of view. At the moment it feels like refs and TMOs go through a long review with multiple camera angles only to end up making either an obvious or a fairly subjective decision on these matters. In theory, at least, employing better VAR-like technology that offers a more conclusive, single angle could speed up the game. Pragmatically, I don’t see WR backing away from stoppages for these types of TMO-checks, but I hope they can at least limit the time they take by being a bit more innovative with the tech!

Genuine flames, if not a roaring bonfire of momentum, to end the Wallabies’ year

I’m probably on the opposite side of this debate to you Geoff. As I’ve said on a different thread, I think we need better technology in rugby to enable TMOs to make better decisions. There’s a lot of unhappiness about marginal decisions such as ‘in front of the kicker’ or whether a ball has been knocked forward or not. Why not introduce that line across the screen they use in VAR in soccer for offside decisions? It won’t eliminate controversy altogether, but will at least clear up some dubious calls. It just feels like WR is caught a bit betwixt and between with its use of technology for the TMO.

Genuine flames, if not a roaring bonfire of momentum, to end the Wallabies’ year

I wonder if part of the answer isn’t to introduce some more advanced technology, like they have in soccer’s VAR. E.g., how hard would it be to get that line drawn across the screen that soccer refs use to determine whether players are offside? Obviously, it won’t remove human error altogether (just as it hasn’t in soccer), but it could really help with some tricky and costly calls such as whether a player is in front of the kicker or whether a dropped ball went forward or backwards. It feels like WR is caught a bit betwixt and between with its use of technology.

'Is there any accountability?': Everything Rennie said as he savaged refs group over 'massive decisions'

Even 13 out of 450 equates to a 2.88% error rate Peter – way too high for elite sport when there are four people involved in the on-field decision-making.

'Forever tarnished': Nic Berry reveals heavy toll of Rassie's 'character assassination'

Those are just the ones he acknowledged, Peter. For the sake of argument, let’s say that rises to 20 when the ones against the Lions and one or two disputed ones are added. Now, take into account he had two ARs and a video ref to assist (editors and a proofreader, in my context). For the four of them to allow that many errors through equates to a really bad day at the ‘office’ they should have been brought to book for. This is not just about Berry alone. But, again, saying all this doesn’t imply a zero sum game. They screwed up AND what RE did afterwards was abominable.

'Forever tarnished': Nic Berry reveals heavy toll of Rassie's 'character assassination'

Mate, I make dictionaries. Even one error in a dictionary gets you crucified! In all seriousness, though, I take your point about pressure – but are you seriously saying that many mistakes are acceptable? What kind of error rate would you find unacceptable then?

'Forever tarnished': Nic Berry reveals heavy toll of Rassie's 'character assassination'

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/nic-berry-email-reveals-he-agreed-with-rassie-erasmus-on-17-of-the-36-clips-springboks-lions/ – is 17 enough proof for you Peter? And those were just the ones Berry himself acknowledged.

'Forever tarnished': Nic Berry reveals heavy toll of Rassie's 'character assassination'

That reply you mention shows he agrees with RE that he got 17 of the calls wrong. That’s 17 errors acknowledged in 80 minutes by the match day ref and his team. If I made 17 errors in my job within 80 minutes I’d be toast! And those aren’t even the errors they made that cost the Lions, or the ones they disagreed with where RE may have been right! Totally agree with everyone here: RE was wrong and I’m glad he’s been punished. But, hell, to have such shoddy reffing in the second most important rugby event in the world and there be no consequences from WR’s side also galls. Surely there must be some acknowledgement that refereeing standards are a real problem across the world?

'Forever tarnished': Nic Berry reveals heavy toll of Rassie's 'character assassination'

Please, no 🙁

ANALYSIS: How and why World Rugby's panel reached its verdict in the Erasmus case

Crystal ball: do you reckon Rassie and SA Rugby will just do a token appeal (to appease their supporters who still believe they did nothing wrong), followed by a generic ‘we’re sorry for any harm caused to any individual involved’? Can’t imagine they’d want to take it any further than that, given the delicate balance of the findings and punishment.

ANALYSIS: How and why World Rugby's panel reached its verdict in the Erasmus case

Sorry if you’ve already answered this and I missed it, but, as a legal eagle, what did you think of the judgement and how it was written? As a layperson, I found it clear and the findings motivated very well. Very impressed.

ANALYSIS: How and why World Rugby's panel reached its verdict in the Erasmus case

Are you based in SA? The mood around the braai fires has become darker and darker lately, and it’s not all Eskom’s fault. It’s also mirrored by the rise of right-wing organizations like Afriforum and the much-improved showing at the polls by a right-wing political party like the VF+. All in all, some very disturbing trends in the Afrikaner corners of the Republic. Sorry to veer into politics, but I do think it’s indicative of how people are responding to Rassiegate – they are gatvol, in general, and this gave them a convenient channel for their frustrations.

'Nailed to the cross with velcro': Erasmus and World Rugby outcome a stunning triumph for both

A small percentage, yes, but in rugby terms still a hugely influential one. And I think the sense of victimhood stretches far beyond only the social media warriors. My sense (as a member of that community) is that it’s become quite pervasive in Afrikaner culture, in general.

'Nailed to the cross with velcro': Erasmus and World Rugby outcome a stunning triumph for both

Harry, would it be a stretch to say it was the civil threshold of ‘balance of probabilities’ vs the criminal threshold of ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ (to Americanise it) that sank Rassie in the end?

ANALYSIS: How and why World Rugby's panel reached its verdict in the Erasmus case

Sadly, I agree with you on that last point Biltong. Certainly so in large parts of the Afrikaner community – they don’t give a rat’s bottom what Aussies, Poms, Kiwis, etc. think. They’ve always believed World Rugby is run by a cabal that only seeks to further the interests of the developed countries over those of the developing world. Only a ‘not guilty’ finding would have appeased them. So, this outcome will play nicely into that victimhood narrative for them, making Rassie even more of a hero/martyr/saviour/figurehead. So much for ‘a world in union’.

'Nailed to the cross with velcro': Erasmus and World Rugby outcome a stunning triumph for both

Yeah, even if the Boks get through their pool of death, they’ll face either France or the ABs in the QF. Scary prospect either way.

How the Wallabies are building cohesion towards 2023

Decent selection Geoff. On a slightly different track: which players do you think improved in form or grew in stature as the tournament went on? I’ll kick it off from an SA perspective: Vermeulen improving with each post-injury game was pleasing, but Kwagga’s growth through to the the last test was the most surprising for me.

Seven Wallabies, five All Blacks and three Boks in our Team of The Rugby Championship

To be fair, though, Harry: a new head coach does tend to get some latitude in his first season and he did ‘deliver’ a Lions tour win. I reckon 2022 will be make or break instead, with Rassie moving back in ahead of 2023 if the results don’t come.

Springboks make two enforced changes for final TRC Test but Kolbe falls short

There are quite a few guys from back home who could add value (e.g. Nortje, Louw and Coetzee from the Bulls). But I don’t think quarantine rules would allow reinforcements at this late stage. So they’ll have to get creative inside the squad that’s already there. Just hope Lood is fit for the next test. And it may be time to roll the dice on Elstadt at 7 or on the bench?

'Bring back that wild waterboy': The Boks are 'sick' and maybe a return to Rassie is the only cure

Excellent game by the Wallabies. Well-deserved winners. Some soul-searching ahead for the Boks.

MATCH REPORT: 'Box office' Thor hammers South Africa as Wallabies charge to famous victory

I just wonder if the Boks will see it like that. If all kicks went over, they’d have won well and with three tries to one. So, they’re probably thinking right game-plan, poor execution (through ill-discipline and crappy goal-kicking).

The Wrap: Quade Cooper finds the sweet spot to bring the Wallabies home

But do you honestly feel that level of disappointment is the same as when we lose against the All Blacks, Lions or Poms, Biltong? It doesn’t feel that way to me. I was upset for a bit and then just, meh, move along swiftly. Who cares about the Wallabies, really? And that mindset makes me furious with myself, when I do some introspection. I am worried the Boks have the same thing going on, even though they may not care to admit it. Re style of play: nah, that didn’t bother me, but I’m one of the old-schoolers (rugby style wise). Maybe it would bother some of the more progressives, but they’re still mostly quiet after the Toetie-disasters.

The Wrap: Quade Cooper finds the sweet spot to bring the Wallabies home

Even the responses from media and fans are a bit muted, compared to a loss against the All Blacks. My theory: South Africans view losing against the Wallabies in Aus like a heavyweight losing an exhibition match to a cruiserweight – a bit of harmless fun. They outboxed you for ten rounds and you just lost on points ’cause you couldn’t land the killer blow. There’s a lack of respect for some opponents at the heart of it that’s really damaging to the Boks’ ambitions of consistently being best in the world. And even having a championship on the line can’t seem to fix that mindset. One caveat: losing against the Wallabies in the World Cup is a different matter entirely – but then we can just blame the Bryce, er, I mean ref 😉

The Wrap: Quade Cooper finds the sweet spot to bring the Wallabies home

Great wrap Geoff. Some comments: firstly, huge kudos to the Wallabies – I thought they showed great guts and composure. Secondly, good game by the ref – I’m sure there won’t be any great grumbles from the Bok camp. Thirdly, what the heck is it about playing the Wallabies in Aus (and Qld in particular)! For their game plan to work, the Boks need to bring the same intensity, desire, accuracy, and discipline they would bring to the All Blacks and Lions games. Sadly, they often seem to reserve their most mediocre performances for the Wallabies in Aus.

The Wrap: Quade Cooper finds the sweet spot to bring the Wallabies home

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