Clancy's clanger

When the touch judge standing a few metres away from the action strongly indicates he disagrees with the decision....the ref needs to reconsider. But Clancy didn't reconsider, he went through the motions. He was in effect frozen.

Habana made an outstanding rugby tackle....Vermeulen made an even better rugby tackle, one which the Aussie feed thought was completely legal. Vermeulen's tackle was never a penalty.....and the card for Habana was amateur night at the Prom. We had time to correct the Vermeulen 3 point mistake....but with Habana off we had to  be perfect. We almost were, but Morne blew it.

Still poor decisions by refs seems to no w be part of the game. And so often they seem to favour the home team, it's almost back to the bad old days of local refs.

The problem is not knowledge of the game....it's character. Too many of the fellows with the whistle are panic stricken small men, afraid of making themselves look weak. If you find a ref who makes some mistakes, but calls things honestly and is willing to make a considered decision....willing to listen to his touchie and video ref.....keep that man. These guys all know the laws, reliable refereeing comes down to character.