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Hey Volvo
Thanks for these thoughts. I have been watching the from a supporter perspective but have the background of being a qualified referee and referee coach. I do not use these qualifications while supporting the other than to understand why the ref is signalling advantage, and what the infringement is actually for (sometimes as opposed to what it says on the scoreboard, &/or what some commentators say).
I am also rarely the one calling "offside ref", "come on touchy" and other things, probably because I don't think they were offside as I can identify when the ball is out. This doesn't stop me enjoying those moments when people around me call these things out; I just don't do it myself.
I accept that referees are capable of making mistakes, just like players are. I also accept that referees' mistakes are less forgiven than those of the players. For example, how hard is it to kick the ball into touch and end the game? But no; let's have the kick charged down and keep 'em all guessing for a few more minutes... For example, if we're on a team warning for repeat infringements in the Red Zone, why not take an extra step to make sure we're not offside instead of spending 10 in the bin?
I've seen some pretty good refereeing performances this season and some less so. (either non- matches or replays)
I think the Super Rugby AU has been a terrific pathway for Australian rugby officials who may otherwise have waited quite some time for their opportunity. I think those who have officiated will have received some robust coaching and feedback and expect them all to be better referees as their career progresses. I think the coaching of the referees will likely see them progress (or improve if you prefer) more quickly than the coaching of the vast majority of the players.
As to your last point; I don't think this is very likely, as supporters of the team that lost will be less likely to give credit to the referee. Look at this forum for evidence of that but it's a nice sentiment.
Not sure where this was first published. I stumbled across it on GAGR. (The boys must be going OK for me to bother having a squiz over there). Anyway, good job Melanie Gibson.
Across the Nullarbor came a sound,
The earth trembled at our feet.
“There’s nothing left in the West”, they said,
But now they heard a beat.
And from the ashes, forged in fire,
A shape began to form.
Warriors from around the world,
The Western Force were born.
They weren’t alone as they breathed new life,
Around them standing strong,
Their army proud in a sea of blue,
Their voices raised in song.
And so this band of brothers grew,
Some called them renegades,
Barbarian hearts had joined as one,
In search of accolades.
Some battles would be lost, some won,
Men muddied, bashed and bruised,
But every time they lost their ground,
Surrender was refused.
For next to every fallen man,
The blue army would appear,
To raise them up and carry them,
Together, there’s no fear.
This is your story, a phoenix force,
A sum of all its parts,
Keep building and keep getting up,
You already have our hearts.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
Berry was the ref we had in the Rd 6 match in Canberra who gave us a 9-0 penalty count in the 1st half. I mean we were on defence for a lot of the 1st half, but the penalty count was ridiculous. Even Brumbies fans on the Roar were saying he was missing a lot of their infringements.
The 2nd half was much better and we drew 14-14 so I hope we get that Berry and not the 1st half version.
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon
"2nd Fifteen" = The side the boys beat in NRC?
If only finals were played on paper.
P.S. Last 2 days I've watched Ch9 news @ 5 then the Mungos. Ch9 pushed it's RL match on GEM both days during the news. Both days there was no mention of today's FTA semi final in Canberra. With no RL match in opposition on Saturday, I just can't understand the the thinking of 9. Perfect chance to pick up casual viewer numbers.
Last edited by shasta; 01-05-21 at 08:34.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
Boys were competing well that first 40. But that red to Pulu will hurt. Tackle was in progress could've mitigated.
At least it's only 20 minutes here.
Cheika saying similar re the card
Hung though with 14 for longer last week. Gotta do it all again. A card the other way would be welcome.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
Ponies going down like flies
Unfortunately the question now is....where are our next 2 games played?
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
Unfortunately it was a Red every day of the week.
Better showing than when we last went to Canberra but you can't give that much ball and territory to a side that's as good as Brumbies.
So who's Brumby Jack's friend?
Laugh and the world laughs with you.......
......cry and you'll weaken your beer
Valiant effort from the team, but unfortunately didn't really fire a shot in attack and couldn't nullify the effect of the red card.
Our forwards really put in and came out on top of the much vaunted brumbies pack.
Our territory and kicking game again let us down, and those 2 scrums cubelli failed to put the ball in really killed us.
I was fuming that this wasn't even looked at (Wright lifting Koteka way past the horizontal and dumping him on his head) - surely had to be a yellow?!
Last edited by chiraag; 01-05-21 at 22:04.