Roly wrote: ↑Thu Dec 14, 2017 9:31 am
strawclearer wrote: ↑Thu Dec 14, 2017 9:23 am
As we've been discussing how well (or not) we played 'Sir' at Thomond Park, I think MO'C's comments in the Mercury bear repetition:
"My view is that the laws of the game are the laws of the game. There should be no room for interpretation from any official. Or any need for teams to adapt to the way a game is being refereed in the technical parts of the game.
Not rolling away is not rolling away.
Not releasing the tackled ball carrier is not releasing the tackled ball carrier.
Putting your hands in front of the ball at the breakdown is putting your hands in front of the ball at the breakdown.
They are laws. They can’t be adapted every week by different officials.
Of course, there are certain nuances between the ways certain referees go about their business, but some things are non-negotiable around the breakdown because it is such a crucial part of the game. And both not rolling away and releasing the tackled player are two of the most important non-negotiables."
The way he goes on, you'd think that 'gamesmanship' in rugby was a new phenomenon.
He can bleat about it all he likes, because it isn't going to change. Its about time he realised that if you can't beat them you have to join them. As has oft been said, if Tigers were anywhere near smart enough, they'd be taking the referee out of the equation and he wouldn't have any need to complain.
Give MOC a break, he is still finding things out!
Of course we have seen them outdone many times at the breakdown whilst he has been away at Leinster so I do understand your opinion to an extent, when they do single or even doubled up in support to the carrier they have been vulnerable individually at the breakdown against the strong sides and when they do put numbers into the breakdown they have come up short on numbers in resulting phase play.
He is addressing the situation though as quickly as time, money and injuries will allow!
Polota-Nau will add some much needed beef to the breakdown, we shall see what he can add to the process, but still Genge is a loss to the bigger picture and obviously the two big centres will take some time to return fully!
It's all been unfortunate timing in my opinion, injuries are to be expected but constantly having three and four big ones would damage any clubs prospects!
We have been denied seeing the best of it as yet and given the opportunity of a fairly fit squad it could all change, if it doesn't then I'm sure more changes will be introduced as time and money allows, but like Saracens currently I think we are denied seeing their best!