I agree with all that Colwyn, the scrummage must be looked at !, the time spent crouching, touching, pausing and engaging - referees being over analytical about front row warfare tactics - the ball being fed almost to the feet of the No 8, all contribute to frustration for players and spectators alike. BBC Wales have just run a Scrum V classic games series on the "box" and I watched England v Wales I think it was circa 1979 'ish, it was quite refreshing to watch the no nonsense approach to the scrum; scrum awarded, packs form and pack down quickly, ball put in (down the centre of the channel) by scrum half, ball challenged for by Hookers (hence the name), job done, get on with it !.
Another point using the Wales v Italy as a reference, yes Wales didn't play to their full potential (again), yes Italy defended very well and with much courage, but the game was flattened by, in my humble opinion, some very pedantic refereeing decisions, George Clancy did his best to stall play whenever he could and stop the flow and momentum of the game ( this is not an anti Irish referee, sour grapes sort of comment), he just seemed to penalise the team that showed the initiative and intent to play, which I thought the IRB were trying to promote to encourage free flowing games.
The laws need to be interpreted better, ego's (referee's) should be left in the dressing rooms and the referee's should be using their skill and judgement to enhance the spectacle that some of these meetings have the potential to become !!. What they must realise that people are paying about £60 to watch this, plus millions of television viewers need to be entertained and thrilled, the referee's have a responsibility to help achieve this.
Another niggle I have (while I'm on a roll !), is that I hope the minor "theatricals", I see creeping in to the game, (I must admit mostly by our "Continental brethren"), doesn't start getting more prolific e.g. Bergamasco's reaction to Halfpenny's challenge on Parisse, which in my opinion was just barely a penalty and definitely not a yellow, I think is aimed at influencing the referee's decision, or is that the cynic in me ?, anyway the point I'm trying to make is I hope Rugby Union doesn't sink to the amdram realms of soccer !!
Any way book me a seat in the grumpy old men's section (well middle aged men any way), onward and upward, I hope next week end brings us the delights of a Grand Slam, but more importantly some good quality skilful Rugby Football !!. Good Luck to all Nations, let the beer flow and let battle commence !!
:D
