Rugby: What Action is Worth a Life Ban in the Sport?

March 30/12

8 Comments

This question obviously presupposes that there is such an action.

You may disagree with the assumption, which you can illuminate for all, in the comments section.

The reason for this question has been encouraged by a couple of realities, [1] the recent – very ugly [insert: disgusting - this scribe's pre-judgement] – action taken by Northampton-not-so-Saint, Calum Clark, who willfully and seriously injured another player when he broke, Leicester’s, Rob Hawkins’, elbow, with a wrestling-like-leveraging, move. [2] The call from one on the Facebook page, the not-so-dead-Ant, to see Clark banned for life – please join the pain-free fun… on Facebook. [Read more...]

Testing Cricket: The Riddle-iculous Rise & Return of Vernon Philander

March 29/12

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Test Cricket. The pinnacle of the sport. The crucible of the contest, where man is put through the rigour of time; testing their talent under conditions that develop over the potential of 5 days of sporting drama, where only the strong survive.

There is nothing new, surprising, or even baffling about such words, but the riddle is just about to begin with the rapid rise of one, Vernon Darryl Philander, making this testing sport look a little akin to a child playing.

After claiming six of New Zealand’s best in the 3rd Test – no tongue-in-cheek – Vernon would pass the 50th Test wicket mark. [Read more...]

Timelapsed Video: The Christchurch Stadium Rebuilt… #Special

March 27/12

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Christchurch has been on the receiving end of an overwhelming deal of hurt over these past eighteen months.

It has tested all, pushing some past the point, but throughout, the rugged individualism that settles easily on the Canterbury Plains, has fueled the internal fire for the city to never say die.

On Saturday night, versus the Cheetahs in #supeRUG, we were given a cultural witness to this demonstration, and a sporting sign toward a new beginning that has a bright future. [Read more...]

#supeRUG: Danny went rebellious with the Dougie to Celebrate with the Fans

March 27/12

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It can be some hard viewing yards in the Australian Conference of #supeRUG, with the Rebels experiencing some recent relative pain with their proceedings on the field – cheetah’d.

However, their day would dougie, as Danny boy set the field aflame, before his ham would be strung, and he would have to leave it to the fans.

A slowing burning, Mark Gerrard, would finish off a fine personal display, as somebody finally penalised Pocock, where it ultimately counts. [Read more...]

#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. [Read more...]

#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

League: T-Rex Tony Williams in a World of Tackle

March 20/12

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Talking of the Digby tackle, take a look at this from the NRL, in last night’s match between the Sharks and Sea-Eagles.

Pleads guilty; seven weeks.

Has a brain-fart and fights the charge; could get 10.


What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

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#supeRUG: Justice for Digby?!

March 20/12

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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

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