Loose Pass
This week we will mostly be concerning ourselves with the legacy of Alain Rolland, the English mess and intimidating referees…
This week we will mostly be concerning ourselves with the legacy of Alain Rolland, the English mess, the Welsh dream, retirees and intimidating referees…
Back in the week after Sam Warburton's red card was the catalyst for France's semi-final win, we did opine in these inches that Alain Rolland's decision in that instance would be vindicated by the reaction of future refereeing calls on similar incidents.
Well, thus far, Rolland has indeed been vindicated: Steven Shingler's red card at Cardiff on Friday was the clearest sign yet that Rolland has set a precedent, rather than just being an isolated draconian stance on tip tackles.
However, watching under the influence of Sky's Heineken Cup coverage was just as clear a sign that the debate over such tackles will rage on for some time to come.
Pat Sanderson, in particular, was livid that Shingler was expelled, citing especially the unavoidable physical dynamics of such a tackle and the difficulty of controlling the masses involved at the speed of the collision.
It's not a debate that's going to go away soon. But it is good to know that referees would appear to have got together and made sure that Rolland's RWC-turning call has become the rule, rather than the exception.
Last week we also hinted at the need to feel a little for Mike Tindall, but any sympathy mustered for him must pale into insignificance compared to how one should feel for Martin Johnson.
The World Cup-winning captain has had his trust abused by players, watched his employers fall apart in an extraordinary bout of petty infighting and other acrimonies, yet still managed to preside over England's most successful year since the Woodward era – even if it ended in the World Cup disappointment.
Johnno, you may remember, was coaxed out of retirement to come and do the England job. We wonder just how far apart the two pictures were: the vision outlined to him by the RFU at the time contrasting with the reality of what's unfolded. It was mentioned at some point during the week that he's become a master of saying nothing, but to hear a straight-talking Johnno give an honest review of the RFU might damage the English game irreparably.
Perhaps one day that will come out. In the meantime, one of the best bits of analysis ever to grace this site appeared earlier in the week, with both barrels pointed squarely at Rob Andrew. I couldn't have said it better myself, so I am not going to try. Instead, just make sure that if you haven't caught it already, you have a gander here.
Contrast the fortunes of the (now cash-laden by the way) English game with those of the Welsh. Many a valley would have been awash with songs of joy this week as both Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley signed new national team contracts taking them through to the next World Cup.
The coaching staff of the 2011 vintage – regarded by most as a work in progress with spectacular potential – have thus been retained in entirety, along with the young but highly promising captain.
The WRU have been no strangers to a little politics and meltdown down the years either – nor has Warren Gatland been shy of letting his employers know precisely what's what when it comes to his coaching and team governance – but right now there would appear to be no stopping the Welsh.
Gatland's biggest beef down the years has always been the limitations on the time he got to spend with the national players, but having shown what he can do when given that time, it's a moot point as to whether the regions will be so belligerent now.
Wales will now have to deal with the weight of expectation, but there's little doubt that in the long-term, the Welsh are the hottest of favourites to be the second-ever NH world champions in 2015.
Farewell Joe Worsley. There aren't many one-club players left these days, nor are there many players left with as honest and tireless a work-rate in the game, but Worsley ticked all those boxes.
If you are ever searching for a benchmark player who managed to bring all of rugby's finest old-school values into the dubious honesty of the professional arena, look no further than he.
Finally, have a little think about who in the rugby world you would be least inclined to argue with were he to take up the whistle and penalise you for a marginal offside.
Johnno? Brad Thorn? Bakkies? Brian Lima?
Possibly. But the news that Sebastian Chabal passed his refereeing exams with flying colours this week might make many an on-field miscreant turn a slightly paler shade.
Chabal was suspended for 60 days earlier this year after making comments in his autobiography about Top 14 referees being 'unashamedly biased', citing specific examples and making sure the assistants did not get off either.
His suspension was to be reduced were he to take a refereeing course, pass an exam and referee eight matches, at least three of them at Under-17 level, before 31 December 2011.
He might struggle to squeeze it into the timeline, but he's well on the way. Just imagine being caught under this steely gaze having misbehaved at the bottom of a ruck…
Loose Pass compiled by Richard Anderson