A robust adjudication is crucial when La Rochelle make their appearance the following weekend. The Cape Town wind, known for its unpredictable behaviour, played a significant part in their arrival by offering zero support to Manie Libbok’s failed final-minute conversion attempt, which could have handed the Stormers a one-point triumph. Leinster, on the other hand, endured an unanticipated stiff contest from Leicester Tigers, owing to the exceptional running paths of Jamison Gibson-Park, and Robbie Henshaw’s intercept try that was desperately required – the latter altered the scoreboard in a significant way.
Referee Pierre Brousset’s average performance left room for a firmer adjudication, especially during scrum moments that were complete chaos. He made solid efforts, however, it’s admittedly a challenging task when teams are resistant to a positive scrumming approach. It’s an integral game aspect and a massive offensive stage. Yet, in their Game Direction discussions, all World Rugby could suggest was a plan to decrease the number of tackles further. This concession seems regrettable.
Brousset was passive, overly enduring, and chatty, rather than establishing and enforcing a rigorous penalty scale. His proposal about introducing replacement props appeared weak and unconvincing. Missing his first Six Nations due to an injury, he is yet to become one of the more veteran officials in the circuit.
World Rugby’s reluctance to test props to endure their weight throughout the scrum is hard to comprehend. The existing equilibrium act between two opposing sides is on par with a splendid circus performance, however, contradicts the documented regulations. Is anyone bothered by this? Somebody certainly should.
Despite a grim situation for La Rochelle at half-time, their comeback was predominantly facilitated by their massive pack, and this is yet another reason why the referee’s performance in Dublin this coming Saturday is quintessential. Their mammoth players approach the breakdown at alarming speed, and the adjudication of this segment will likely influence Saturday’s outcome.
Leinster certainly didn’t maintain a pristine performance during the game, especially with Caelan Doris managing to evade the referee’s watchful eyes a tad too often; his luck is anticipated to wane soon. In an irrational display, Andrew Porter charged over a ruck, making it an effortless decision for Brousset to award a penalty. Porter’s actions, whose intention is yet unclear, resulted in Leinster conceding avoidable penalties, consequently placing unnecessary strain on their defence. However, Brousset’s offside penalty on Tigers, although slight in nature, helped alleviate this pressure.
While Munster’s noteworthy contribution to the exciting game against Northampton can’t be denied, it offers them little comfort. The efforts by World Rugby to redefine the rules of the game, despite their good intentions, won’t outdo the thrilling spectacle witnessed at Franklin’s Gardens. It’s an unrealistic expectation to dictate a team’s playing style solely by making adjustments to the rule book.
Referee Mike Adamson seemingly had a straightforward day, his most significant challenge being to maintain a safe distance from the game. It initially seemed the same would be for Welsh referee Ben Whitehouse in the match between Montpellier and Ulster. However, Montpellier’s self-destructive behaviour post a comfortable 17-7 lead in the first half, handed Richie Murphy’s team an impactful victory. An undeniable red card and three yellows during the second half facilitated Ulster’s comfortable 40-17 win, even though their performance wasn’t extraordinary. The red card’s recipient was Paul Willemse, who previously faced a similar consequence during a game against Ireland in Marseilles.
The frequent need for Whitehouse, typically a TMO, to step in for Craig Evans, underscores the scarcity of top-tier referees at this level. Although I might question the rapidity with which a couple of yellows were given, Whitehouse handed them out with absolute assurance.
The weekend culminated with an impressive and nerve-racking victory for Connacht in Pau. The game’s overseer, Italian, Andrea Piardi, is likely preparing to treat his Television Match Official (TMO) Matteo Liperini to an exquisite Italian feast. Piardi was originally in an optimal position in-goal when Bundee Aki made a dash for the line. In a perplexing move, he retreated back infield from his advantageous position, rendering any judgements of the touchdown impossible. Liperini shone brightly, identifying the score amongst a multitude of players and advising Piardi to overturn his initial ‘on-field’ no-try decision. Such calls have significant implications and could either create or destroy the reputation of a budding referee, hence the likelihood of a dinner invitation.
While these events unfolded, Irish referee Frank Murphy was stationed in Bordeaux. There’s a potential for the French squad to become the dark horse as they dealt a crushing defeat to Saracens, securing a hefty win at 45-12, in spite of the officials disallowing a series of home team ‘tries’, which I have estimated to be five, possibly setting a new world record.
The omnipresent TMO Brian MacNeice had a plate full of responsibilities on that day and it is difficult to find fault with his performance. Contrarily, the forward pass judgement made by assistant Eoghan Cross, which prevented Damien Penaud from scoring a try, is clearly open to criticism. Had the referee allowed play to continue before verifying the touchdown, it would have been much more reasonable. The decision was so profoundly disconnected from the principle of being “clear and obvious” that it defies all reason. If such murky calls are the benchmark for a forward pass, then it spells potential trouble for all involved.