#supeRUG: Week Five Succinctly Summarised… It Can Happen

March 25/12

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Week Five in #supeRUG would go something like the following, not as succinctly, mind you, but we aim to please.

Go.

Blues v Hurricanes – Recent history added to the talk, with the Blues looking to have silenced the First Half Hurricanes attack, into the Second. However, the new talent would finally end the battle, after the door was opened with 90 seconds on the clock. The Double Barrett would unlock the defense in close, use his speed to find space, and lastly would locate the Hovercraft – Conrad Smith – who would move it across the tryline, giving Beauden the position to convert – 26-25, Hurricanes. Hammett-High-Five.

Rebels v Force – While the previous contest would take one deep, the following would find the shallow as Danny would dance with the desperates, as the Rebels would take a surreal early lead for the locals. Reputations count for something in this contest, and one knew the Force would find a way, or the Rebels would provide them a platform, and so it would be. Scores would tighten near the end, as finally someone penalised Pocock, and the attempt would land with Gerrard, who would send it down the middle – 30-29, Rebels. First win in 2012.

Waratahs v Sharks – The men in mostly Black looked to have the goods early, opening a decent lead, as their sun continued to shine after the win-in-the-wet of the last week. Waratahs were coming off a Farce and would start to earn their mettle, clawing their way back into the contest. Getting late the score was just parked with a Shark, before the Tahs would provide the toast to their success, trytime, in the corner – 34-30, Waratahs. Back on a set of tracks.

Crusaders v Cheetahs – Culturally, this fixture of events, would provide the most significant future in this season of 2012, as a team that lost a city found a home. Cheetahs have historically provided a little consternation for the Saders, with their ability to work width into space, a consummate issue. It would be so again, but with the return of some Crusaders capital, in DC, the home side would show composure where it counted, scoring seven, ending the contest, as the Goosen was well and truly, kicked – 28-21, Crusaders. Home & heart providing hope.

Brumbies v Highlanders – If sport was played on paper, this contest would be over before it began. Most were thinking the same versus the Chiefs, as the Brumbies nearly snatched that late. This is a side that had an extended time in pre-season, showing the present fruits of that time in training. The Highlanders would start strong, but failure to finish would be exposed at the end. Brumbies would own the breakdown, with Joseph’s move on the Flanks getting spanked through young Hooper – 33-26, Brumbies. Proving the past can have a future.

Bulls v Reds – They are Red. Playing rugby by numbers has not been the fashion statement of 2012, as the Blues & the Reds have felt the injury curse, very close to home. This would continue for the defending champions, who found Samo out in the centres, in the Second, against the Blues at Loftus. The situation would quickly develop into the final 40, as 7 of the best went through their midst, sending the locals into raptures, nevertheless; no bottles found their way onto the field – 61-8, Bulls. One word, “Ouch.”

Lions v Stormers – Speaking of injuries, Coach Mitchell, would talk in double dutch numbers missing from the home of the Currie Cup. Coca-cola may be it, but it seems to suffer when it’s SupeSized, which would again against the southern Stormers, who would hurt very early through their Hooker. The Bryan Habanero has been warmer of late, and his heat would continue, with no white-knightley, able to keep up into the corner. Joe would eventually locate the range finder, keeping hi side away from the prey of the charging Lions, 24-19, Stormers. Only undefeated side early.

Another week where the contest proved contextual, in all, but Loftus.

Match that most moved you?

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

Source Source Source

#supeRUG: The Double B for the Double Barrett

March 24/12

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Auckland v Wellington has long been one of the personal battles in New Zealand provincial rugby, needing little encouragement to stoke the fire.

The SupeStuff has changed the dynamic, but with the recent changes in the personnel, things would feel a little personal, as these two SupeSides would meet, post the Hammett-time, at the Garden, on an “all-kiwi” Friday night.

Many moments to remember, but one would ultimately define. Just as the clock ticked, 80, the Hurricanes 10 affirmed he was the storyline of the characters wearing such a frame on this night.

Vision to see the Finish-line. Watch!


Hurricanes blowing a new breeze into many rugby worldviews. It must be admitted that on this occasion, iamjonnyking, did sound the warning.

Barrett looks like a Keeper.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

#supeRUG: Justice for Digby?!

March 20/12

2 Comments

I expect to see the Foxsports, even Supersport rugby “teams” wearing armbands in their various media presentations, in the coming week.

I am up with the play, on the ball, forever onside, and always ready with an answer, which is why I am only now in the midst of watching the Sharks v Reds #supeRUG match, from this Sunday morning, NZ time, alive in Durban.

However, I have been socially caffeinated, aware that New Zealand born player – gotta throw that in – Digby Ioane has been banned for 5 weeks for the following tackle – spear it.


Some thoughts… Oh, you want me to share them with you.

First, it is not a “spear” tackle, per se, in my opinion. In fact, in the other code – Rugby League – it is a tackle to be praised, but you are correct, this is not League, but Union.

Ioane does pick up the Sharks player, Marcel Coetzee; does drive him into the ground, but he does so onto the flat of Coetzee’s back; excepting the arm, which the tacklee decides to put down.  Therefore, to my machinated mind, it is an intensified, glorified tip-tackle. An offense, to be sure, but not as indicated above.

Context is King and I own the Crown, so let me provide some greater perspective to this tackle.

Recently in the Six Nations, Mr Stephen Ferris, was penalised and yellow-carded by Wayne for the following tackle. He would also later be charged, but exonerated, receiving no further consequences.


However, in the self-same Six Nations match, the Welsh man, Bradley Davies, would also be penalised and yellow-carded for the following offense, which raised the bar for spear tackleness.


I think it is reasonably self-evident that the player is picked up and driven with much greater angular momentum, into the ground, taking the dangerous level to a whole new floor.

Davies would receive 7 weeks for his supper, but could have received up to 12, had he challenged the charge, and not been such a mama’s boy.

Given these two tackles as some sort of parameter, and removing the hemispherical nature of the events, in my opinion, Ioane’s tackle is closer to the Ferris tackle than the Davies spear. In fact, it could be something in between, in that he does drive Coetzee into the ground, which is more akin to Davies, but he also brings Coetzee down to the ground in a similar jursidiction to the Ferris attempt.

Therefore, in the iamjonnykingdom, Ioane’s tackle is deserving of two, maybe three weeks –  because he is playing for an Australian team.

If you do want to witness a spear tackle of the sordid-sort, Lote is your man… And on McCawesome of all heroes.


In all seriousness, McCaw was blessed to have survived, as his neck was put under all sort of duress. The leverage and ping factor could have had frightening consequences. Tuqiri would go all camp on the night, but would pay for his pleasure.

The Ioane tackle does open up the same can of Vern – problems for the Blackcaps in the Cricket – with the judicial procedures in the #supeRUG expedition back into the conversation.

That is for another post.

The Ioane tackle. 5 weeks.

Agree or disagree?

Just to throw your cat amongst Bill’s pigeons, here is a spear tackle by Rory Sidey on Ndungane in 2011 that cost him a Red Card… from Keith Brown, South Africans, and a three week ban


Enough information. Land, and then state your case.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

H/T H/T Info

Technology: A Rugby Officiating Plan for the Future

March 15/12

5 Comments

And the future can be NOW – or nearly now, as close can be!

With all the swirling around the officiating, iamjonnyking has taken the digressions one step further, by offering a potential officiating framework for the future of Rugby, and SupeRugby, in particular.

Before we press go on this post, you must read the previous posts that lay the groundwork for what will follow – HERE and HERE.

A significant portion of the goal has been to use and integrate technology in the most effective and efficient means possible, while doing one’s best to lessen as much of the impact, as possible, on the match itself.

Another motivation has been to try to better deal and officiate those parts of rugby that are offering the most conjecture and failing the whole.  If we are able to effectively identify and compartmentalise the issues at hand, we are in a better position to break down the problems, deal with the priorities, and nail a solution.

By nature of these ideas, they look to push the boundaries, taking the way the game is run into the future.

Let us begin.

The Officiating Team

[1] A special expert in the Box who would be given the rights to help officiate in the Scrums.

This would be his sole job. This is a very specific and technical area in Union, and one that even mystifies those who know the game. It also causes much consternation for the fans, as decisions in this area become a lottery, and often effect the outcome of a match. Therefore, the point is to minimise the likelihood for error in this phase, with the help of an expert.

To make this happen, it would require a significant buy-in from the moving pictures provider’s. [1] We would need more cameras, fullstop. [2] There would have to be specific cameras on both sides of the field, which would be set aside just for scrums; much the same as many International grounds in cricket have stationary cameras for run-outs, on either side of the ground. This addition reflects the professional nature of this premier rugby competition, the significance of the scrum to this Code, and the need to protect its veracity from ignorance.

In another post, I have detailed my disappointment in SupeRugby’s presentation that does not seem to believe it has the premier rugby competition, nor seems to have a desire to present it, as so.

Therefore, in this scrum context in a match, when a scrum is taking place, the expert will be locked into all the camera angles, on both sides of the scrum, to be in the best position to gain an informed perspective as to what is taking place.  If needed, he can then pass his thoughts onto the on-field referee, who will act on his decision, or all is kosher, just let it play on.  Once this phase in Union is complete, so is this expert’s role, until next time.

At the moment, this phase is an issue that is exploited.

This would also allow the Referee in the middle to focus on the ball actually being put in straight, into the scrum. While this is for another post, having the Loosehead from the team that is putting the ball into the scrum, call for the engagement – as has been the historic situation – would also save us from the interminably slow monotone that is the engagement call.  I realise there are other factors that may limit this desire – safety – but it is food for the fatties.

[2] Multiple Referees, but not as you know it.

There has been talk in the traps about having a second Referee on the field, as a way of helping the ruling contest. However, I don’t think this is the best positioning for another official, not only from their frame of reference, but in the way it further clutters inside the white lines

Therefore, I would like to have a second referee watching & ruling on the match in front of a monitor, while being directly hooked up to the Referee on the ground. Call him the TMO,  but his role would be commensurate with the man in the middle, although, he would practically act, more in an assisting capacity. The role of the Assistant Referee is confused and is a waste of space. What Rugby needs is a BETTER placed set of eyes that can provide a greater frame of reference and impact with the man in the middle, helping to get a macro-perspective on what is taking place.

In practice, this would likely mean little difference than the present connectivity between Assistant Referees and the Referee. The TMO – could assist in every aspect of the match – assist, being the operative term. The referee on the ground would obviously be the individual who would be in charge, but his input as to what is taking place in the rules of rugby would be greatly & positively impacted by this TMO who has a much wider view of the action and can provide that perspective on what is transpiring.

In many respects, this TMO would be particularly effective on the things that have been missed, and he would also have a set of guidelines that would allow him to interject post an event, should it be deemed to be a mistake by the Referee on the ground. This means restrictions around what can be reviewed around a try, would now have null effect.

Therefore, the TMO would have a comprehensive role.

I think fans, such as you and me, watching on TV, seeing all that goes on, can practically grasp why this could be a great addition, and why such a positioning is much better than another man on the field that is failing too often.

[3] Changing the Assistant Referees Title, Role, and Function.

I am tempted to have Four Touch Judges that cover one half of the touchline/field, with more specific, but limited roles in the match – note the title. This also keys into trying to break down the responsibilities effectively on the field, so that all the many bases get covered, but also clarifies, so there is limited overlap.

This means, Touch Judges would really be focusing on a small, but important number of areas. [1] The offside lines, which already does happen, but the means of making sure these are officiated effectively would also be improved – see below.  Having the extra touch judges should encourage this reality, and as the game moves faster and faster, the additional number and limited area of coverage should encourage a greater ability to stay up and on the play.  [2] Lineout throws, would be the other area where they would have primacy, which already happens, but with limitation, comes specificity, with [3] forward passes another area – also helped below.

With the two referees, Touch Judges should not be needed to come in for foul play, or to offer any thoughts on most other aspects, allowing them to concentrate on becoming experts in their field. As their role is simplified and specialised, I would look at filling the ranks of Touch Judges by those who are younger and more viral – faster – to keep up with the play. As the role is specific, this can open the ranks to those with less experience, which generally means younger and better physically equipped individuals.

With their focus on the areas delineated, it will also allow the Referee in the middle to place his focus on the vital location that is the most significant in the modern game - the breakdown – which should receive the majority of his attention, needs more work on and off the field, and must be improved in its activity. This point is CRUCIAL, and underscores the phasing of officiating philosophy, so that each is better covered, and mistakes are minimised.

While there would have to be consideration of too much noise coming through to the main official on the field, it would at least, require excellent comms, and specific instructions, such as just “offside blue.”

I should note that if the suggestion of bringing in specific touch judges who have better physical capacity – athletes – in their own right, one on either side - Two Touch Judges – may actually prove enough.

Some Specifics Developments

[1] The Captain’s/Coach’s Challenge.

Just in case something has been missed by the man on the field and the man in the Stand, the Captain or Coach’s challenge can be a safeguard for the side that knows something went wrong and has been missed. Each side could be awarded two per match, and should they be proven to be correct in a challenge, they will not lose one. The big question is what, if any, should their be in context limitation in the challenging?

With two referees who can discuss the issue, I don’t see why this can not be reasonably open-ended, with most aspects, just as in real-time, being covered effectively.

[2] Greater Clock Management

It is time to end the wasting away of time. This can be either be managed by the TMO, or more likely by a specific official. We lose too much time in Union. Stop the clock when a scrum is called. Start the clock once the front rows have engaged. Stop the clock when the ball goes out. Start it again when a lineout happens, even when it is a quick attempt. Stop the clock when a try is scored. Start it again when the match is restarted. The time the kicker takes needs to have no effect on the timepiece.

If there is someone with this specific role, and another as backup, we can get more out of our rugby matches, without the wasting of space.

[3] Bench Changes

If we are going to have the previous addition, it will likely place more pressure on the athletes, and I would extend the number of players on the Bench – I would likely do this anyway. I really don’t have a problem with the Football approach, where everyone in the squad is available.  They do, however, have a limited number of substitutions, and the Coach has the freedom to choose wisely from any number.

Let teams have full coverage on the Bench. Injuries should not penalise a side. No more possibilities of uncontested scrums. As there is a limited number of changes allowable, it still comes down to the tactical nous of the coaching team.

[4] Markings on the Field

American Football have a much closer on-field marking system to what we should be following in Union. While they have the breakdown of the markings to clarify the yardage, we need the markings to help clarify things like offside play. With significant markings on the ground, which do not have to be overbearing, the officials will be helped to ascertain the legitimacy of one side’s defensive line, and the match’s overall relationship to the confines of the specific field. This would also help with forward passes, straight lineouts, straight scrum feeds, etc.

It would be such a simple addition, but would take a rather large green mass, and break it down for us all. I must admit that the proliferation of lines does feel a little overbearing, but this is where the creative genius comes in, as the practical impact, seems worth the effort

I have written most of this early this morning, as my mind started to outwork what was in draft form in the previous post on this subject – that’s bloviating.

This is nowhere near the finished article, but is another link in the chain toward our sport so that it is officiated in such a manner that befits its importance in our cultural contexts, underscoring our attitude toward its improvement.

Ideas are worth exploring.

Please do!

Digress and waffle away.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

Referees: How Can We Help?

March 14/12

4 Comments

While it is late in NZ, such is unlikely to help with the refereeing dilemma. If you haven’t read the piece that started this journey, please do!

It may surprise you that I have already been here and done some of that, adding potental ideas to help our authoritarian friends. This piece was posted, June 30th, 2011, on Bob Skinstad’s site where I also ride his wild horses, with the now foreboding title – Will A Referee Ruin Someone’s Rugby World Cup?

Ouch. Apologies.

In the middle of this piece, I had the following to offer:

It is true that Rugby Union is a sport that has created its fall guy, with a law book that remains unlocked when they’re loaded, as this compendium of rules offers much fodder to ping and choose. Perfection works well in theory, but in practice; it fails the test. The most we can hope for is a childlike demeanour – seen and not heard – meaning their impact has encouraged the flow, and not built a dam stifling its existence down 80. All the while, we desire their decisions to prove indecisive in the final result.

Put that on record and push play – week in week out – consistent-like!

Unfortunately, we are not witnessing this in practice, as conversation of the performance of the Referee is dominating, especially from those who feel violated, with the result that it is also personally affecting people’s love for their Union and desire to ingest it on a regular occasion – seriously, if you only liked me on Facebook, you could read.

Therefore, this is an important subject, and one that demands we think through different perspectives and angles of thought that can deal with the multi-level dilemmas at work.

In the closing of that piece in June, 2o11, I worked on one angle, adding some ideas as to how the officials could be assisted in their task.

It is my assumption that they want this more than most. I know the Bryce Lawrence name conjures up all sorts of disgust in SA, but watching the multiple mea culpa’s, in very public places, indicated to me a man who did not want to have put himself in this position. For all that transpired under Bryce, he has fronted; yes, after the fact, but still, NZ will likely have to pay for Wayne’s autobiography to get any sort of grasp toward an explain.

This piece was intended as a brief excursus – Yeah Right – therefore, let me cease the trail and land on the destination.

In the following words, iamjonnyking will record the ideas contained in the original post on the Bobster’s site – as they were – as a first step toward a journey, and then you can look to flesh these out, discuss, dissect and digress, with any and all, on some of your own.

Therefore, this will likely be the first in a series of posts, with this the initial offering, to get the whistle blowing.

Ideas to Help a Referee!

1] Multiple Referees in a Match – This is the perspective that Henry has pushed, which does have a meritous order. One consideration to ponder is the impact on the consistency in ruling. A match could turn into a mess if the Referee was changed at the break, only to bring a slightly different interpretive grid, confusing the players who are locked into a ruling regime. However, the nexus of the problem in such a scenario isn’t the idea, but the lack of consistency that Henry has identified.

2] Multiple Assistants. Two on either Sideline – To be frank; the Assistants have really let down their main man on a number of occasions in SupeRugby, as they have been the antithesis of their mandate. Maybe we need female assistants? They can multitask; so am I told – Yes, dear! One of the present problems is the ability of these Assistants in effectively covering the breadth of play, particularly when the backs get lively. Another relates to ease of manoeuvrability. For example; when the ball is 5 metres out from the tryline; imagine having one Assistant in-goal with another 5 metres out from the line?! This setup seems to provide a more effective area of coverage, in readiness for any scenario that could possibly follow. Conceptually, I like the tandem option situated some 15 metres apart on the touchline, surrounding play, helping to provide better coverage of the majority of the game movements! One possible downer; greater opportunity for an over-zealous flag man!

3] Extend the Television Match Officials Responsibilities – This would need much discussion in practice, but it could go as far as implicating the multiple referees’ perspective, providing a platform for the TMO to step in where needed, or simply opening up and extending the areas of coverage for decision-making. Whatever it means; greater use of technology seems part of rugby’s destination!

4] Captain’s Challenge – I really like this idea, which has already been mooted in New Zealand. It would obviously depend on what you could challenge, but consider this in context. Take the missed knock on right near the end of the Reds match versus the Crusaders, with our man Stu. When that phase of play came to an end, McCaw could have gone to Stu and said they wanted to challenge a specific ruling. The result would be that play could go back to the mistake, where it would restart again. Questions such as what one does with the timepiece would need to be addressed, but each team could be given a couple of challenges, with another possibility to keep these should you be successful; much like in Tennis. Could save a whole lot of sport-ache!

5] Sack all Aussie Refs – and Bryce – Maybe clone Craig – I think this could be the most popular option in South Africa.

If you would like to read the original post that has a fair amount of tomfoolery added for effect, please visit on the following link – HERE.

There is much more that can be said on these and other subjects that intersect with the refereeing context. Talk of the present implementation of the rules of the game needs some discussion, as the emphases that were talked about by Lyndon Bray have done little to either clarify the game or deal with the dilemmas that dominate.

This is a vitally important subject.

If the present conversation continues, many will commit some sort of sporting and supporting suicide, as it becomes too much to take, and bears too much of a brunt on an individual and on those he/she loves.

Referees need to return to an age where they were seen, but rarely heard.

Can we, at the very least, attempt to do something about it?

Let digress.

I will likely sleep as many of you “hopefully” offer your thoughts, so if you are commenting for the first time on iamjonnyking, remember that I must be awake to approve. On the other hand, if you’ve been there and done that, your words will pop up right away, as you have your say.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

 

 

Twitter calling out the Referee – A Cheatah?

March 13/12

8 Comments

Yes, I know. My brilliance even surprises my other personality – sometimes.

What with the Blue Bulls bottler lost at Loftus, as the team had already finished his job, it was a busy weekend for the ridiculous.

However, while the concepts contained in words previous would encourage many to get all hot and bothered, such is just a window-world-full-of-pane, compared with the collective furore that streamed and steamed down the timeline on Twitter, as the Cheetahs were given a Brown-eye, from the Kiwi’s, very own, Keith.

Where’s the pre-diet Piet when you need him, as the post-diet Piet was as limp as his wrist?!

While some of this may read in jest, there is a pointed end, and it has been sharpened.

This word does not need any padding, assistance, or context of an introduction, as once it is uttered, it struggles to shun the spotlight.

Cheat.

Just one word. Take out the “ch” and we love to do it regularly. Reintroduce the pre-fixation, and welcome to a world full of hurt that sticks like mud.

Labelled. For. Life.

If I had a gun, it would now be loaded – A-to-the-K-and-throw-in-number-47 – this is a heavy-hitter, and somebody is going to get left with a mark. iamjonnyking will refrain, at this point, from dismantling the weapon, which means we will let this sleeping dawg lie, and ask you if it is telling the truth.

Let me locus this hocus-pocus and work this way, home.

Twitter. Micro-blogging. Some reference, noise, which is code for the rubbish we refuse. This is nothing new. Nevertheless, some do choose to throw out bombs on the timeline like leftovers for the hungry swine. It is a way of getting noticed, getting heard, finding favour; so stretching toward the superlative, with even a little “hyper” with that “bole” on the side, is not a means that issue’s a reality in the restraint of trade ethic.

While I flirt with the hellacious, I am also a stickler for the precision in an incision. I tweet, and then some, so I do speak of the people-to-the-tweeple.

However, on a weekend where the frustrations of a fan would reach bottling point, I was surprised to read the dominantly African tweeting timeline unafraid to label an official as bearing this mark, and such slapped me on the cheek – both.

And, when it was offered by those who have some standing in the sport, it needed some comment – read from the bottom up.

I am assuming that such a charge is believed to be an objective fact? Meaning: The locale of those making the charges matters little-to-none.

We will leave much of the presuppositional talk there, but this is a serious matter, one way or the other.

I have no problem with someone stating the courage of their convictions. Sport has proven that it has corruption issues, so again, an apriori stance, is inappropriate.

Therefore, the key question is the veracity of this call?

As a Crusaders tragic, I endured commentating Friday night’s match, and witnessing a scrum battle that seemed to betray all reality and history, similar to the complaint on Front Row Grunt.  It wasn’t until the Second Half when Kieran Read explained the tactics of the opposition to the Referee, was there any respite. This indicated a certain understanding toward what was unfolding, which in the Crusaders view, was missing the mark [Blackadder has since talked about this context further].

Yet, even though things seem to head in one team’s direction – the Ellis no try – there is no consideration in my world that the Referee is somehow a Cheat.

Maybe it helps that Garratt Williamson was a hometown boy, but it is certainly not axiomatic that a cheating call follows from a poor refereeing performance. In fact, I would say, post the 2011 Rugby World Cup, we are heading toward a dangerous destination if such talk is easily offered, especially with the freedom of Twitter to say whatever is on your mind.

It is becoming too easy to speak the piece?

I admit to concern at the tone of communication I am hearing from the Republic post the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Yes, we in New Zealand have had our Wayne Barnes moment, but bless his soul, he was the sole benefactor of our love, where his performance failed to flatter and not deceive. When any context – and this being communication – is starting to produce a trickle down effect, it begins to affect the whole matter, with concern that this growing – and here it is again – this presupposition, becomes a reigning one, where everyone gets wet – drenched.

What happens next?

Worldview!

Godzilla is only going to grow, and errors one way will be talked about and tweeted about, with the result that the sport gets lost.

The argument from the other side is that it is already lost.

I am not sure how people in the Republic can watch a match refereed by either Lawrence and now Brown without the poisonous impact of their reigning paradigm.

That is really the home run for the fan, and we have yet to even walk with this matter directly, so let’s stop this race, and deal directly with this dilemma.

Did Keith Brown cheat in the Brumbies v Cheetahs #supeRUG match in Canberra?

This is a very simple and specific question based on a specific reality in the mind & attitude of Keith Brown as he makes his decisions.

Let me also remind all that Keith Brown does not walk alone, as those who work closely with him in the officiating context will also feel the heat of this charge, not forgetting the refereeing system that is sustaining his work on the field. If it is true of Brown, do you think those closest to him in the SupeRugby setup are standing idly by as this reality transpires? Are they blinded by his deceit?  If so, there is a whole can of worms; levels of corruption!

Of course; this assumes, a certain level of rugby omniscience.

For the record; incompetence, which is more a systemic way of saying the Referee made a mistake, is NOT cheating! It is certainly no where near the ideal situation, but the solution is much clearer. For the record, the standard of NZ refereeing needs work. This is nothing new, and we have a fair amount of local rugby to gauge this reality.

Even in last year’s SupeRugby final, Bryce Lawrence allowed the Reds scrum to get away with murder. Stuart Barnes, the noted English commentator, would affirm that had it been a northern hemisphere referee, the Crusaders would likely have won, as the Reds would have been blown off the park.

Do I think Bryce cheated? No. Do I think he lacks empathy for the game, which impacts on how he manages the match? Yes. Do I think he got the scrum penalty wrong in the 74th min this past weekend, when the Highlanders prop was the one driving up, denying the Waratahs a potential match-winning penalty, had he witnessed it my way? Yes. Do I think he cheated? No.

Rugby – this game we love –  is a sport that is dwarfed by rulings, in such an extreme manner, that when officials are presented with a contest that is beyond their ability to effectively manage, they are forced to rule out of this frame of reference. We have very few Referees who have the empathy to effectively navigate through a match and traverse the minefields of many rules, while also maintaining the shape of this contest… in the world.

Nevertheless, when all is said and done here, there is a growing worldview at work in the Republic, and I confess to fearing the path of this descent.

If anyone does not deal with bitterness in any relational context, it will poison your relationships and your well.

You will drink your future from this perspective, and like water that has been spiked, it will progressively overtake your functions until every match that your side has not won with another “kiwi” Ref will be viewed in juxtaposition of one teams’s positive interaction with the Ref, while your team has been the one who is screwed.

Yes, there is an objective point to this issue that finds its nexus in the world of Sanzar and the IRB. However, this is also very personal for you as a rugby fan, particularly if you are from the Republic.

You can’t live your rugby future if you’re always pulled back by the past. We were fortunate in New Zealand, in that we had time away from Wayne. We have also had him again, and have lived through the experience.

This season of #supeRUG has just started. We have a new Rugby Championship to experience. We also have a rugby tradition and legacy that is ours to pass on.

Please; do not lose the Joie de Vivre  of your Rugby.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

#supeRUG: iamjonnyking going viral on the video

March 11/12

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If you have been with iamjonnyking for some posting days, you will understand that words have flowed like the ramblings of an incontinent’s incontinence, half way around the world.

Yes, that statement is loaded like a camel with three humps – very strange.

Now, if the previous words did not exemplify the positive effect in this post, you must see for yourself.

I even have video.

The you has my tube – iammediaking –  and you simply must do yourself another good serve by following along for the ride; moving pictures and all, put together with the creative genius of one bloviator.

Therefore, please do connect and subscribe – Definitely worth the time!

You can find the channel and the source to subscribe – HERE.

Enjoy.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

This is an exciting creative development, proving to be a positive for this King and those in any country.

 

 

#supeRUG: Hurricanes throwing tricks at the Try-line

March 10/12

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While the Chiefs have a couple to offer of their own, it is the Hurricanes who have the best young talent of the New Zealand franchises in #supeRUG.

They have a brigade of 20-somethings who have been given a chance in Hammer’s hardware, and are beginning to show all what we have known on the Shakespearean Rugby Club, for some time.

One such talent is TJ Perenara, a young man who has distinguished himself throughout the grades, at the national and international level.

On this Friday night in #supeRUG in Perth, he would have a stand out performance, going all the way, and more than once, as the Hurricanes smashed the Farce.

Check it.


What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

Image

#supeRUG: Custard killing the Handy Andy for the Crusaders #RUGcam

March 10/12

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A progressively rain-soaked, McLean Park – Yes, McLean Park – would offer the first presentation of the #supeRUG in week three, as the Crusaders would tangle with the Chiefs.

While the Crusaders would start with an aversion to the wet, they would slowly find their feet into the Second Half, even as the time ran out on their momentum and quest, 19-24.

It was a rather “interesting” fixture that was punctuated with some moments that would ultimately define.

Two such times would  involve, Crusaders number 9, Andy Ellis.

Take a look


What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

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#supeRUG: Zac Guildford given a warm welcome home by the Chiefs #RUGcam

March 10/12

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It was not a good night for the Crusaders in Napier, as the Chiefs would end the home field away from Christchurch field trips, on a sour note.

Speaking of home, one boy from the Bay, Zac Guildford, would feel the hurt and the heat from the Chiefs.

Jacked up.


They do say you should use your head; maybe not quite in that context.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

 

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