Johan Ackermann (Gallo Images)
Johannesburg - The Lions’ squad members will play against each other on Friday to gain match fitness and get to grips with the laws that referees will be focusing on during the competition.
And assistant Johan Ackermann said the breakdowns would be strictly umpired following Kiwi referee Bryce Lawrence’s controversial handling of the breakdowns in the Springboks’ defeat to Australia in last year’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
"That was apparently the final straw and referees were told to improve the umpiring of the breakdowns," Ackermann said.
Assistant referees at Super Rugby level would also be called upon to monitor the offside lines at the ruck and maul and infringements close to the touchline.
The coach said the offside line would receive greater attention from referees during this Super Rugby competition.
This year could be a deciding one for the future of the scrums as teams have been warned to straighten up this area of the game.
It is understood that referees have been told to reduce the amounts of restarts by 20% or radical changes could be introduced which would change this facet of the game
In case ou rickity is still hovering around he may want to read the following and correct the errors of his ways - ditto anyone who thinks BL should have been nz ref of the year!!!!
Cape Town - South African referees manager André Watson says he was surprised by New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence's performance in the World Cup quarter-final.
Speaking to 567 Cape Talk Radio on Tuesday afternoon, Watson admitted Lawrence's handling of the breakdown area in the clash between the Springboks and the Wallabies baffled him.
The defending champion Springboks crashed out of the tournament with a narrow 11-9 defeat, despite enjoying three-quarters of possession.
"His opening game (at the World Cup) was outstanding. I had no problem with his appointment," said Watson. (How strange BL simply goe shaywire in that match!!!)
"But he allowed a free-for-all." (Only it was NOT for all it was for OZ) This meant ace Australian fetcher, David Pocock, was able to have a field day, constantly disrupting the Springboks' flow. (Yet some nutters think we cant score tries)
"It's not what you would expect from a referee of his calibre - he didn't referee the breakdown the way he was supposed to. He just didn't step in."
Despite the IRB announcing that no visible action will be taken against Lawrence, Watson believes Lawrence will be hauled over the coals for his performance behind the scenes.
"He will be punished, but that's up to the IRB. I do not believe we will see him in any Rugby World Cup (ever) again," said Watson.
Watson also said that the SA referees association will aim to take action against Lawrence. "It's done and dusted now, but we will be taking action. We want to make sure it doesn't happen again
Anyone clear on what action has been taken against nz ref of the year - I mean besides being honoured in the way he was by nz?
Captain40,032 posts
03 Feb 2012, 10:52
#1
03 Feb 2012, 10:52#1
