rugby_rockstar says...

Its almost funny (but not quite) just how un-inspiring this list is. you got SH fans bemoaning the inclusion of the NH refs, Me groaning in dispair at the inclusion of the likes of Steve Walsh who can't even ref a scrum put in properly or even worse is just plain cooked. While quality refs like Mark Lawence are ignored completely. the whole situation tells you, no matter what hemishpere you come from, there is zero consistancy in international rugby and rugby fans worry that their team are going to be unfairly dealt with by a whimsical, opinionated, baised individual who wants to see rugby played is a certain way and will make sure the side that plays that way wins. So, IRB, your refereeing stinks, and you come down on anyone connested to the sport who dares say as much. That not protecting the refs, thats telling everyone that they aren't accountable for their actions, they are above the law and do as they damn well please. thats not good for the sport because people think that their team are screwed even before they run onto the pitch. no honest competition means no sporting contest and the fans lose interest and walk away. Its an absolute mess but the IRB are not prepared to spend the money required to make refereeing more transparent. give the TMO more powers, invest in ball tracking technology. Stop turning a blind eye to unfashionable laws.

Posted 10:12 25th July 2012

Ramage says...

Ok my test got through so I didnt say anything in that post to upset the editor so will have another go. unless the editor censored my former posts on this topic.

I too like Carpelone believe the most lucky referee on the panel and worst one there is Clancy. How this man continues to be appointed is beyond imagination. If Barnes and Kaplan can be dropped, then it amazes me how this rather slow both in physically and mentaly still keeps his place. I see others criticizing Barnes and yes he does have his faults, and Owens who I rate as one of the best apart from his incessant chatter in that soprano voice. Kaplan has been dropped others bag Poite but none of these fall to such depths as Clancy who by far is the worst referee on the panel. It says much about the luck of the Irish. How can a top referee not only allow a partisan TMO to draw attention to something outside his jurisdiction but to listen and rule on it clearly knowing his decision to be outside his jurisdiction. A decision made not in the heat of the moment at full pace but one after a long wait and time to reflect on being led astray by the partisan TMO Meuwessen. Shows many traits of a slow thinker or someone who has no faith in

his own decisions. Interesting he has been given NZ vs SA in Dunedin This time it will be home turf for the kiwis. I wonder how he will handle that pressure of such an important game or wilt as he is prone to do under the pressure. If I was to have to choose between Poite who comes under much criticism from the NH and Clancy I would choose Poite any day.

Posted 15:55 19th July 2012

sandal says...

@Willy

You say: "People need to realise that ref's can go in and out of form like players and need to move on from a bad game a ref may have had 2/3 seasons ago.""

Really? What you say about form is surely true. But faults are not always a question of form.

Are you suggesting that Wayne Barnes has improved his fitness, gained speed, stopped getting in the way of the defence and no longer referees one team but not the other? These matters are not a question of form. No improvement in "form" will address such failings.

Though if Barnes has improved his fitness he might find it easier to spot the odd forward pass.

Posted 07:11 12th July 2012

jontheref says...

Nice to see Jaco getting a game.

I liked the look of Andrew Lees in the Blues game last weekend as well.

As for bringing back kaplan, forget it.

If anyone should come back it is Mark lawrence.

Posted 09:20 11th July 2012

Ramage says...

Testing to see if my post goes through

Posted 12:45 10th July 2012

liam2me says...

Roman Poite is not just a useless official, he's actually dangerous, how he is considered a top official is beyond me

Posted 00:17 08th July 2012

bigb6969 says...

Carpelone says...well Clancy has a history of ignoring rules to favour South Africa..

Posted 19:24 06th July 2012

Willy says...

Poite, Really still in the top 8???

Not much arguements with the other 7. People need to realise that ref's can go in and out of form like players and need to move on from a bad game a ref may have had 2/3 seasons ago.

Posted 17:19 06th July 2012