They should have left it at two phases before the try. The game is being micro-managed to death, yet there's controversy every weekend.
They should have left it at two phases before the try. The game is being micro-managed to death, yet there's controversy every weekend.
Agreed, Pakie.
They’re trying to kill the game.
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It would be good to see a stat on this topic, but it seems more than half of the tries that get reviewed are denied. It’s a huge crowd downer, particularly in home games. A classical case happened last Saturday when Nic Berry reviewed a stunning try by Wales. The TMO initially and the commentators felt it was okay…but Berry denied it on a close call.
I happens all the time…a man holding the ball carrier back, a slight knock 5 phases back, inconsequential high contact. I reviewed the whole game Erasmus made the famous video about, and found many instances not called that went for the Boks.
Is there ever a try which is legitimate, if you go back 5 phases. I have my doubts. Video review has exposed the vast network of rules which cover the game and the difficulty of avoiding the rules tripwire.
The solution isn’t obvious but we are drowning in a rules straight jacket. By contrast soccer looks spontaneous while rugby has become a frustration. Go back and look at a match 20 years ago….far more enjoyable and in the final analysis 99% of the time the right team won.