Force v Brumbies 25 March 2022 @ HBF Park

[andrewg]

I would like to make a suggestion - that no one reacts to a Western Force match for at least 24 hours. Some of you need a chance to calm down before finding your keyboard.

That takes away all the fun that a Match thread on a supporters' forum is all about.

[The InnFORCEr]

Gardner's fault, right?

Not his fault, but it was hard to tell if he was a Brumbies player or the ref at some points. Why on earth would you put a ref in shirt that matches one pf the teams playing.

Put he refs in orange or yellow or pink, like AFL does, like NZRU does and like any sensible sport administrator would do.

Also the head clash precedent was set in the earlier Pasifika match, almost the same incident with the same sanction.

[shasta]

Paul Cully doesn't agree with orange cards. If he's right & WR decides to leave RC sanction as "remainder of game" it will be interesting to see where that leaves SANZAAR. Great to see Kane Koteka make Team of the Week in a losing side.

Forget orange cards and an NRL-style report system - just tackle lower.

After the past few weeks - and the Reds v Waratahs game on Saturday - it feels like the game is awash with red cards, prompting calls for an NRL-style report system. But is it true?

No. In fact, there were only two reds in this year’s Six Nations, down sharply from five in 2021, and there haven’t been any red cards in the New Zealand derbies this year (the Chiefs and Highlanders haven’t even picked up a yellow).

https://www.watoday.com.au/sport/rug...27-p5a8bj.html

[andrewg]

Have just watched the game again to be sure of the impressions gained at the ground.

How do you gain or lose momentum in a rugby match?
By having a referee who ignores illegal entry into rucks.

All 4 first half tries by the Brumbies followed periods of up to 3 x side entries (the try at 1:30) into rucks leading up to tries being scored.
(That's also ignoring the forward pass for the 4th try at 33 minutes).
By my count 14 side entries by the Brumbies in the first half and another 7 in the 2nd - ignored by Gardner and the ARs.
The worst offenders were Swain (5), Kautai (4), Brown (4), L Lonergan (2), Valentini (2).

Defence seemed optional for both sides but enjoyed the 77 points scored in an entertaining game.

(Have already posted this on G&GR as a discussion point.

After a few comments I was drawn to post the following)

Watch the game again and tell me that my observations are incorrect.
You'll have no trouble confirming my numbers - especially if you are even half aware of the rules for the breakdown/rucks.

The refs are consistently not calling repeated offsides and forward passes - yet the TMO are happy to point out obscure infringements.
Yes, there were side entries from the WF - but check how often they were called for ruck infringements.
IMO - it's becoming a blight on the game.

I'm all for allowing the game to flow but not when one side is continually being given or getting an unfair advantage.
I could add the additional infringements of tackling players without the ball when not connected to the ruck and the consistent loitering on either side of the ruck (without penalty).
The Brumbies must practice all of these strategies as they very well applied - like most of their skills.

PS I hadn't included comments about lying all over the rucks and entering mauls from the side - all of which were generally ignored.

PPS Yes, I am a bugger for punishment.

[shasta]

I'm not big on watching replays but thanks for confirming my impression on the ruck entries. I also thought there was a lot of joining the ruck and accidentally falling off feet.

[jargan83]

Yep. Refs fault

[shasta]

Yep. Refs fault

I take it you passed your referee exams then?

[GIGS20]

I'm not big on watching replays but thanks for confirming my impression on the ruck entries. I also thought there was a lot of joining the ruck and accidentally falling off feet.

I guess it depends when the Referee considers that a ruck has formed. Judging by the amount of hands in the ruck, I would suggest that Gus called a ruck far later than I would

[jargan83]

I take it you passed your referee exams then?

Not yet - I've only done half of the level 1 course

[The InnFORCEr]

Not yet - I've only done half of the level 1 course

Sounds like you are more qualified than most then

[Perth Girl]

Heard that Banks has been cleared by judiciary because of mitigating circumstances including Pulu turning towards Banks as he made the tackle! Next thing will be attacking player have to standstill to be tackled! What a shit decision!

[Tazzmania]

Heard that Banks has been cleared by judiciary because of mitigating circumstances including Pulu turning towards Banks as he made the tackle! Next thing will be attacking player have to standstill to be tackled! What a shit decision!

However, Karma is a bitch.

Looks like he will be out injured for a while with a fractured cheekbone.

[GIGS20]

However, Karma is a bitch.

Looks like he will be out injured for a while with a fractured cheekbone.

Yeah, cool what is karma going to do with the deadshit citing officers who one week cite Tupou who wasn't even penalised, create a media circus only to find the citation overturned, then when Banks is red carded during a game turn around and clear him after the event.

He won't be on the Referee's Christmas card list.

[bootsetal06]

Banks knew what he was doing . He was never going low . Pulu leaned in to brace for the impact ( natural reaction) The law …high with head clash …red . There was no mitigation . The decision stinks if they are serious about head injury.

[GIGS20]

The decision stinks if they are serious about head injury.

leaving any discussion about head injury out of it, this decision throws referees under the bus and justifies coaches and players criticising them.