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| 6 Nations - Weekend 5 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sunday, 16. March 2014, 11:45 (326 Views) | |
| RCG | Sunday, 16. March 2014, 11:45 Post #1 |
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The final weekend of the 6 Nations lived up to all the hype - England did what they had to do and then so did the Irish Pascal Gauzerre did well in Rome in what wasn't a particularly difficult game to referee. England played at a fast pace which led to lots of mistakes and broken play. Gauzerre intervened when he needed to without over penalising either team. I would like to see him tested now with a decent game in the southern hemisphere to see if he can cope. Garces showed in patches that he can be a very good referee. To take responsibility for Hogg's challenge having seen it again I thought was to be applauded as it was the corerct decision (must admit was surprised it wasn't refereed in the first place). Most of his other decisions were spot on. The only area that concerned me was that the team of officials were not prepared to call the forward pass in real time (although Chris Pollock definitely voiced his opinion). I thought that looked a relatively easy decision to get right in normal time. And so to refereeing royalty Mr Walsh. Oh dear, oh dear. I know I am biased BUT there were key moments in the match where I thought his decision making was ropey at best. The first two penalties against the Irish scrum seemed harsh. Walsh then had, in my view, a good 60 minutes, although he still has this annoying habit of blowing for a decision and then looking at the screen. He obviously felt he was getting too much 'help' from Wayne Barnes as he commented to a player 'I had assistance on that one, I wouldn't have given it'. The French try was surely a decision for which the TMO system was introduced. There was clearly an element of doubt, plus I don't think Walsh saw it until the ball was already on the ground. A quick refereal would have chalked that one off. I also felt he was very reluctant (at first) to give the forward pass against the French. Called in normal time from the comfort of my sofa I couldn't believe how long it took to get the right decision. Pleased for Ireland and O'Driscoll in particular. England will rue that last 15 minutes in Paris as I think they have been very good since. Wales played in patches, showing that Cardiff is still a very tough place to play. France deserved 4th and no more. Italy need to bring more players through to get them the experience and hopefully a change of coach will help the Scots. Nigel Owens was the stand out performer on the refereeing front and on this form not only looks good for another European Cup final but should be odds on for the RWC15 final at Twickenham, assuming Wales do not get there. The French referees continue to improve and Wayne Barnes looked solid. From the southern hemisphere both Peyper and Pollock need a few more matches to see what they are capable of. Joubert needs to find his world cup form again as I don't think he has been as good since. Walsh needs to be go (IMHO). Final mention to Allain Rolland - enjoy your International retirement, at your best one of the very best |
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| Hendo | Sunday, 16. March 2014, 15:16 Post #2 |
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At the risk of repeating myself yet again, another fantastic summary from RCG with which I concur 100% and to which I can add very little. I was also impressed by Gauzerre; he seemed to have a relaxed rapport with the players and I thought he reffed the scum well. I also like the way he and his assistants clapped both teams onto the field - don't know if this is common but a nice touch nonetheless. He was very athletic and moved around the pitch easily, which meant he was always close to the action. Been in the shadow of Poite and Garces for sometime but a solid performance which can have done him no harm Didn't see much of the Wales v Scotland game but Hogg's tackle (very much out of character) was disgusting and it was brave as well as correct of Garces to change his decision and give a red in the light of video evidence. You hit the nail on the head again re Walsh. As per last year's Wales v England decider he had an awful habit of glancing at the big screen after almost every decision - to either check the accuracy of what he had given or to look at himself?? I have my own views! Just feel he is overrated and a disaster waiting to happen. Agree, happy retirement to Alain Rolland; Nigel Owens was the star ref again; and would add that John Lacey should now establish himself as Ireland's no. 2 and, given that the awful Clancy did not get a game this time round, maybe challenge him for the no. 1 spot now that Rolland has gone. I rate Lacey. All in all an exciting few weeks and in general terms, one which was well reffed with certain exceptions |
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1:13 AM Jul 11