Aussie ref admits critical blunder

[Jehna]

Aussie ref admits critical blunder

April 07, 2008

AUSTRALIAN Rugby Union referee Paul Marks has admitted to making a mistake in disallowing a try to the Hurricanes against the Sharks.

The controversial decision appeared to cost the Hurricanes the match, with the two sides locked at 13-all in injury time.

Despite the blunder, Peter Marsh, the Australian Rugby Union referees' manager, believes that Marks shouldn't be axed from the super 14 competition.

"We don't drop people for one decision," he said.

"It's not just one decision, it's the overall performance they (selectors) will look at."
Marsh admits that Marks should have checked the video,

"He was disappointed he made that decision. He'll discuss it with the referees coach (Andrew Cole) but he acknowledges he could have handled it differently," Marshall said

Marks called fulltime after ruling that a Hurricanes player had knocked-on, despite replays showing it was a Sharks player who had touched the ball.

Replacement forward Thomas Waldrom appeared to force the loose ball for a legitimate try. after Centre Conrad Smith appeared to be tackled off the ball.
Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper admits he didn’t know why Marks’ did not consult the television match official

"All I'd say is that you'd ask yourself why you didn't have a look," he said.

Marks' is due to be an assistant referee for the Western Force - NSW Waratahs match in round 9 before a decision is made on his appointment for the following two rounds

[force addict]

good on him. atleast he was brave enough to say that! with evil supporters out there i'd hate to be him but good on him

[AndyS]

I was impressed with So'oialo's comments after the game...very gracious and obviously trying to defuse the situation (although there was little enough hope of that).

[shasta]

Yes, they all get some decisions wrong. That was a doozy for sure. Even more so when you consider that not long before he awarded the Sharks a penalty try which had a question mark over it.

The thing I remember most about that try, though, was commentator Tony Jones' disgraceful and unprofessional ranting when the ref called it a knock on and blew time. I expect that from Murray Mexted but Jones was a surprise. he's usually pretty unbiased.

[BLR]

The thing I remember most about that try, though, was commentator Tony Jones' disgraceful and unprofessional ranting when the ref called it a knock on and blew time. I expect that from Murray Mexted but Jones was a surprise. he's usually pretty unbiased.

Frustration I suspect, this season has been marred with game changing errors by the refs....

[GIGS20]

good on him. atleast he was brave enough to say that! with evil supporters out there i'd hate to be him but good on him

And I'm sure he'll be making sure he gets everything right this week!

[jono]

the TMO will get a workout then.

[slomo]

good on him, at least he owned up....

[brokendown gunfighter]

how come the ASSISTANT REFEREE didnt pick up that it wasnt a Hurricanes knock-on& advise the Ref?

[jargan83]

i watched it and the ASISTANT REFEREE was right on the spot, i have no idea how it was missed

In my opinion he should have at least gone to the TMO to check it, a season can hinge on results like this, espeacially a season as short as Super 14 and now that its starting to get to the pointy end

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Assitant refs, they are a figment of out imagination. Reffing has been disgracefull so far this season, especially non action from the touchies(sorry AR)

[gotheforce]

Well, this week, Paul Marks is the assistant referee/touch judge/ reserve referee for the force game. So we better hope he bucks up. And not make any more dodgy decisions, eg Blues game last year.....

Or blood will be spilled.

[jono]

Assitant refs, they are a figment of out imagination. Reffing has been disgracefull so far this season, especially non action from the touchies(sorry AR)

agree totally man
overall this season its been shoddy. and not just the assistant refs.

[jargan83]

Well, this week, Paul Marks is the assistant referee/touch judge/ reserve referee for the force game. So we better hope he bucks up. And not make any more dodgy decisions, eg Blues game last year.....

was he the touchie at that game last year??

[force addict]

how about geoff acton TMO judge who DENIED US HAIG SARE's TRY!