Barnes

[Heathen]

Barnes? One of the worst refs out there now. Doesn’t apply the laws as he’s now bigger than the game in his own head. He was OK today. But when he refs “normal” league games he loses interest and just does his own thing.

+1

I thought yet again he not only failed to apply the Laws around the breakdown, he bottled issuing yellows in the first half to LaR and to Leinster in the second. I watched two SR games yesterday and not only were players having to make clear decisions about the legality of entering the tackle area, they were pinged and early if they used hands in a ruck. LaR's first half was a rather cynical effort as they realised Barnes wasn't going to warn/card for hands in the breakdown, esp around the try line.

WR really do need to get a grip - SR looks like a different game too often. The officiating of the breakdown in SR at least looks like they are trying apply the Laws per WR's reffing briefing on the breakdown. It's disappointing as when done per the Laws the game benefits.

English teams would struggle big time if the laws were applied as they are in the SH.

[westwaleswasp]

Sadly I could not watch the game as I was stuck in the house with the whole day free and alone but waa unable to walk or straighten, or roll without intense pain, as my back has gone the day before-  extremely painful shocks with the pain/weakness in the leg as an extra..    I could not get down the sodding stairs, or even get out of bed except on all fours.  Even though I pay for Sky multiform, it does not include BT.  I don't have the BT sport app and the laptop was downstairs next to the main TV...grrr.
I am consoled by the result. I found the build up in the media to be all about one team, a very good team but one which has it easier than French teams, which nobody wants to talk about. There are two teams in a final.  I have met La R fans down here, great bunch. Really pleased for them.

[mike909]

Barnes? One of the worst refs out there now. Doesn’t apply the laws as he’s now bigger than the game in his own head. He was OK today. But when he refs “normal” league games he loses interest and just does his own thing.

+1

I thought yet again he not only failed to apply the Laws around the breakdown, he bottled issuing yellows in the first half to LaR and to Leinster in the second. I watched two SR games yesterday and not only were players having to make clear decisions about the legality of entering the tackle area, they were pinged and early if they used hands in a ruck. LaR's first half was a rather cynical effort as they realised Barnes wasn't going to warn/card for hands in the breakdown, esp around the try line.

WR really do need to get a grip - SR looks like a different game too often. The officiating of the breakdown in SR at least looks like they are trying apply the Laws per WR's reffing briefing on the breakdown. It's disappointing as when done per the Laws the game benefits.

English teams would struggle big time if the laws were applied as they are in the SH.

Indeed - and similar officiating may be encountered on summer tours and those refs in SR will be coming to RWC 23....WR made the announcement post RWC 19 and it was applied across much of SH rugby, especially SR and what was/is Mitre 10. It would be a problem for many NH teams especially English ones as they would have to make decisions....and play at pace.

[backdoc]

Sadly I could not watch the game as I was stuck in the house with the whole day free and alone but waa unable to walk or straighten, or roll without intense pain, as my back has gone the day before-  extremely painful shocks with the pain/weakness in the leg as an extra..    I could not get down the sodding stairs, or even get out of bed except on all fours.  Even though I pay for Sky multiform, it does not include BT.  I don't have the BT sport app and the laptop was downstairs next to the main TV...grrr.
I am consoled by the result. I found the build up in the media to be all about one team, a very good team but one which has it easier than French teams, which nobody wants to talk about. There are two teams in a final.  I have met La R fans down here, great bunch. Really pleased for them.

You have my sympathies. Usually short lived though.

[Bloke in North Dorset]

WWW,

You have my sincere sympathies as well, I've been in tears trying to get to the toilet.

I now recognise the early warnings and have a very good sports physio who gives me a lot of deep massage and acupuncture*. I usually feel a bit worse for a couple of days but it soon clears. I also have about 30 minutes of exercises to do every day.

* swear by it. After my worst back spasm I was still walking around on sticks after 4 weeks and she gave it a go. I was open minded and it seemed to work as I quickly recovered. Is it a placebo affect? I don't care, whatever it is, it works for me.

[Heathen]

Sadly I could not watch the game as I was stuck in the house with the whole day free and alone but waa unable to walk or straighten, or roll without intense pain, as my back has gone the day before-  extremely painful shocks with the pain/weakness in the leg as an extra..    I could not get down the sodding stairs, or even get out of bed except on all fours.  Even though I pay for Sky multiform, it does not include BT.  I don't have the BT sport app and the laptop was downstairs next to the main TV...grrr.
I am consoled by the result. I found the build up in the media to be all about one team, a very good team but one which has it easier than French teams, which nobody wants to talk about. There are two teams in a final.  I have met La R fans down here, great bunch. Really pleased for them.

What I did not realise was that it was shown FTA on C4! Was out in the garden, here in France until about 8pm, when the boss found it when flicking the channels. Managed to watch the second half on C4+1.

You have my sympathies. Usually short lived though.

[westwaleswasp]

Thank you for the sympathies, people.
It is not my first roller coaster for back issues, but by far and away the worst I have experienced. Yes, I did actually cry in pain too, I think I passed out at one point Fri eve /Sat morning.

 I have often wondered how strong a placebo effect would be on me, as I am a cynical scientist. Right now I'd sign up for pretty much anything and am promising myself that I will look after it more when and if (please) these stabbing pains on straightening subside. The wife wants me to go to the doctors, but of course I can't actually walk.

Btw I have just realised, Backdoc- as in actual medical doctor with specialism in backs? Your sympathies count double!
Cheers.

[Rossm]

You also have my sympathy, www. About 40 years ago, I was lacing up a shoe (how many times have I done that before?) and ended up on my back for 10 days.

[mike909]

Re the back - you have my sympathies too. I have a symbiotic relationship with my osteopath and over 35 years of fun and games re my back. I find reaching for socks often a danger! 

[westwaleswasp]

Thank you again, people. I guess there are a few out there who suffered, especially you front rowers.

Really hoping to go to a wedding Friday even if I take tiny steps and ache a bit I would consider that a mega win from where I am now. Fingers crossed, but I am not hugely optimistic. Never know though.

The worst aspect is something my wife said- seeing me writhing in agony trying to get to the toilet brings back the very recent memories of her mum's last days, where she did the same for different reasons. Can't be helped, of course.

I have always said how lucky I have been to enjoy walking round the block or the garden but it is at times like this when I really feel it. Makes me more determined to get out there and enjoy life a bit more next season whilst I can.

One incentive to get better is a 20 L box of Stan's Cheddar Valley, located downstairs in the kitchen!  

[matelot22]

WR really do need to get a grip - SR looks like a different game too often. The officiating of the breakdown in SR at least looks like they are trying apply the Laws per WR's reffing briefing on the breakdown. It's disappointing as when done per the Laws the game benefits.

Absolutely this! If the existing law were correctly enforced we wouldn't need a constant stream of law changes and ELVs.