Always a Wasp
Show Posts
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
121
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: reckless
« on: January 08, 2021, 01:03:37 PM »
Difficult job undeniably but I do wonder if some referees shy away from taking the appropriate action during the match knowing that the citing panel will "deal with it" after the match. They're a little too worried about potentially incorrectly red carding a player which could easily change the outcome of the game. The problem with that is that the team they were playing gets little or no benefit from a subsequent ban that the citing panel issues. That's why I feel that Andrew Brace deserves credit for making an assertive judgement regarding the reckless high tackle on Will Porter at the beginning of our match against Montpellier. We were able to benefit from playing 14 men for most of the game.
Would Gloucester have beaten Sale had Du Preez been red carded? Given that Slater should also have walked in the same match who can tell but it wasn't the best officiated game.
One of the things I was taught when I was refereeing is that the punishment should be just. For that reason I think they also got it wrong with the waterboy incident. The waterboy touched the ball deliberately to prevent Glous taking a quick throw in. Twelvetrees shouldn't have reacted as he did but he got yellow carded and a penalty awarded to Sale so the waterboy's cheating was rewarded, that's plain wrong. Should have given Twelvetrees a warning and awarded Glous the penalty.
Would Gloucester have beaten Sale had Du Preez been red carded? Given that Slater should also have walked in the same match who can tell but it wasn't the best officiated game.
One of the things I was taught when I was refereeing is that the punishment should be just. For that reason I think they also got it wrong with the waterboy incident. The waterboy touched the ball deliberately to prevent Glous taking a quick throw in. Twelvetrees shouldn't have reacted as he did but he got yellow carded and a penalty awarded to Sale so the waterboy's cheating was rewarded, that's plain wrong. Should have given Twelvetrees a warning and awarded Glous the penalty.
122
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Covid Cancelled Fixtures.
« on: December 31, 2020, 02:16:35 PM »
If many more games get canned it's going to make this season a bit of a farce and with the new Covid strain apparently being substantially more contagious that seems a distinct possibility. There is also the strong possibility of another national lockdown with all sport stopped as Heathen mentioned. If that happens I can't see how there can possibly be promotion and relegation this season, there may not be a game played in the Championship for starters.
Of course if there's no promotion the EA's will start screaming about a conspiracy to keep them out of the Premiership. Poor loves....
Of course if there's no promotion the EA's will start screaming about a conspiracy to keep them out of the Premiership. Poor loves....
123
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Closing out the game (Spoiler)
« on: December 31, 2020, 01:01:27 PM »Hopefully, what they're looking for is a fair challenge for the ball so if the team in possession go straight to ground and pile players on top of him to seal off then yes, they'd penalise you. Likewise though, if the defending team are a little too eager and creep offside they'd also be risking getting pinged.Also as it was in their half Sale had to be mindful of not causing a penalty, which potentially might have cost them a losing bonus point.
Very good point, had not thought of that.
I have wondered if some refs are more likely to ping than others when a team runs the clock down, and if it is something teams look at.
I say hopefully because it was CMK, Heaven only knows what he looks for, it can be a bit of a lottery. Did anyone else notice that according to him there is no need to throw straight into the line out? Some of Sale's line out throws were laughable.
124
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: O/T honours for Rob and Joe
« on: December 31, 2020, 12:21:47 PM »
Well Gats won the Premiership and EC double with us having picked us up from being relegation candidates two seasons earlier, he didn't get his gong (CBE) until this year for services to Welsh rugby, makes Baxter's award look a little odd. Likewise Lol got his OBE for being in the England team that won the world cup, no recognition for his considerable achievements prior to that captaining Wasps, so Simmonds? Really?
Not disputing Chiefs achievements in coming up from relative obscurity to their present position and no doubting they would have achieved more had it not been for the cheating of a certain property investment company but I think these awards are a tiny bit misplaced.
Matt Hampson however is thoroughly deserved, gob loads of cash raised for a very deserving cause.
Not disputing Chiefs achievements in coming up from relative obscurity to their present position and no doubting they would have achieved more had it not been for the cheating of a certain property investment company but I think these awards are a tiny bit misplaced.
Matt Hampson however is thoroughly deserved, gob loads of cash raised for a very deserving cause.
125
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Will Rowland's departure a done deal?
« on: December 29, 2020, 03:27:12 PM »If he wants to continue playing for Wales, and why we he not want to, then he needs to go to Wales to be available particularly with Ball gone and AWJ sooner rather than later.Fair point regarding the high profile players who have lost out on more caps to play elsewhere but all of those cases were while Wales were winning Grand Slams for fun, they struggled to put Georgia away in the Autumn. Surely that gives the best players a little more "bargaining power"
The rules haven't been changed for higher profile players than him e.g. Rhys Webb, the only exception has been Tomos Francis but that was more Chiefs contract sleight of hand than WRU.
With the new Pro16 to come including the South African teams that is going to be attractive with the Dragons or possibly even the Scarlets now as Pivac tried to get him there when he was there.
126
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Will Rowland's departure a done deal?
« on: December 29, 2020, 03:08:02 PM »
Just wondering- in hope more than expectation- if Will's move to Wales has been confirmed rather than a widely circulated rumour?
It's just been reported that Welsh Lock Jake Ball is to retire from International rugby to spend more time with his family in Australia. With A.W. Jones not getting any younger, Wayne Pivac is going to be desperate for quality second row players, can't help wondering if the "balance of power" has shifted. It's all very well for the Welsh RFU to insist on players playing their rugby in Wales if they want to represent the country, but that only works if the nation is successful which they very much were under Gatland. Not so much now. If the best Welsh qualified locks decide not to play in Wales, can Pivac really afford not to pick them? Could we see the so-called Gatland's law quietly abandoned? Or perhaps "modified" to 10 caps rather than 60 before you can play elsewhere. On present form, Wales will be fighting it out for the Six Nations wooden spoon with Italy and that's with their first choice locks.
Will has now played against the Dragons- where I believe it is rumoured he is heading- and experienced Rodney Parade. It may have history but- no offence to The Dragons- the Ricoh Arena it is not. He may be Welsh qualified but he is also an Englishman who'd be playing in Wales with all the "banter" that will entail (For "banter" read hostility). He's also presently playing exciting rugby for the team who finished second in the Premiership last season, the Dragons rarely bother the top of the Pro14, would he really want to go there?
As I say, this is not based on anything concrete, just looking at how things stand and hope that Will is going to reconsider leaving and hold his nerve for the Welsh RFU to realise that they need him more than he needs them.
It's just been reported that Welsh Lock Jake Ball is to retire from International rugby to spend more time with his family in Australia. With A.W. Jones not getting any younger, Wayne Pivac is going to be desperate for quality second row players, can't help wondering if the "balance of power" has shifted. It's all very well for the Welsh RFU to insist on players playing their rugby in Wales if they want to represent the country, but that only works if the nation is successful which they very much were under Gatland. Not so much now. If the best Welsh qualified locks decide not to play in Wales, can Pivac really afford not to pick them? Could we see the so-called Gatland's law quietly abandoned? Or perhaps "modified" to 10 caps rather than 60 before you can play elsewhere. On present form, Wales will be fighting it out for the Six Nations wooden spoon with Italy and that's with their first choice locks.
Will has now played against the Dragons- where I believe it is rumoured he is heading- and experienced Rodney Parade. It may have history but- no offence to The Dragons- the Ricoh Arena it is not. He may be Welsh qualified but he is also an Englishman who'd be playing in Wales with all the "banter" that will entail (For "banter" read hostility). He's also presently playing exciting rugby for the team who finished second in the Premiership last season, the Dragons rarely bother the top of the Pro14, would he really want to go there?
As I say, this is not based on anything concrete, just looking at how things stand and hope that Will is going to reconsider leaving and hold his nerve for the Welsh RFU to realise that they need him more than he needs them.
127
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Nige on improving Refs
« on: December 04, 2020, 04:55:06 PM »Can someone clarify for me... If a caterpillar forms then isnt offside measured from the back foot not the position of the ball? In which case how can the scrum half manipulate the ball backwards if he's not bound and therefore not part of the ruck? Surely that means he's offside and the only people who can move the ball back are those bound into the ruck!I think this is a classic case of coaches looking to exploit the way the laws are interpreted. Some years back when I was refereeing, a ruck was deemed to be over when the 9 touched the ball. That led to scrum halfs getting clattered and very few successful rucks so someone pointed out that if the ball is still on the floor and is within the confines of the ruck, the ruck isn't over, even if the scrum half touches it. It's now refereed that the ruck is only declared over when the scrum half picks the ball up and moves it out of the ruck. Thus the 9 can move it backwards legally to the rear of the "caterpillar" and it's still a ruck. You are correct that he should retreat to alongside or behind the hind most foot of the latest player to join the ruck to form the ludicrous chain of players or he is offside by the letter of the law. That is however pretty much what they usually do. Irritating though it is, it will take a specific new "interpretation" to put an end to the caterpillar.
If the caterpillar members had to heel the ball back within 5 seconds that would make the caterpillar a real test of skill!
128
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Match thread
« on: November 29, 2020, 10:51:43 AM »
Is it just my wasps-tinted glasses or does Joe deserve the credit for Maco's try? The commentators were going on about Maco's ability but I'm not convinced he had much to do with the score. He ran straight and got blocked easily, Joe grabbed him, spun him round and over the line, no way it would have been a score without Joe's strength and invention.
129
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Recent Spam
« on: November 26, 2020, 11:41:23 AM »What unites Wasps and Midsomer Murders?
SpoilerWasps and Bentley Productions (who produce Midsomer) were owned by Chris Wright
Wasn't there also an April Fools joke that an episode of Midsummer Murders was going to be filmed at Adams Park?
130
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: England v Wales
« on: November 26, 2020, 11:36:50 AM »
Blimey. 10, 12 and 13 occupied by players in their best positions!! amazing what injury can force you to do. Eddie'll be picking wingers on the Wing and a Full Back at 15 next.
Sorry, rush of blood to the head, of course he won't.....
That's a formidable bench to pick from, hope Jack and Dobby get some decent game time.
Sorry, rush of blood to the head, of course he won't.....
That's a formidable bench to pick from, hope Jack and Dobby get some decent game time.
131
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: 4000 fans allowed
« on: November 26, 2020, 11:32:16 AM »
I assume the issues are whether you can safely get people in and out of a large venue and still observe social distancing.
I'm also curious to know whether the food and drink concessions will be available, that's where a sizeable chunk of match day income is made but obviously crowded bars are a non starter- pubs (when not in lockdown) have to operate table service, that's not going to be practical at most rugby grounds.
Does anyone know if the stewarding rules have been revised over the years? I remember back when we played at Loftus Road we had to pay for the stewards and the numbers present were dependent on stadium capacity regardless of the actual numbers present. I can see a sort of logic, you might only get regular attendance of 4,000 but if you're in an 18,000 capacity venue for safety reasons you have to allow for worst-case of an unexpected walk-up that fills the stadium. You would hope that common sense would prevail if numbers were limited for Covid reasons but there's not been a great deal of common sense with how the Pandemic has been managed in some quarters. What would be the break-even number for the Ricoh? If Chief's can't make 2,000 viable you would imagine that the figure would be far higher for a stadium the size of the Ricoh.
I'm also curious to know whether the food and drink concessions will be available, that's where a sizeable chunk of match day income is made but obviously crowded bars are a non starter- pubs (when not in lockdown) have to operate table service, that's not going to be practical at most rugby grounds.
Does anyone know if the stewarding rules have been revised over the years? I remember back when we played at Loftus Road we had to pay for the stewards and the numbers present were dependent on stadium capacity regardless of the actual numbers present. I can see a sort of logic, you might only get regular attendance of 4,000 but if you're in an 18,000 capacity venue for safety reasons you have to allow for worst-case of an unexpected walk-up that fills the stadium. You would hope that common sense would prevail if numbers were limited for Covid reasons but there's not been a great deal of common sense with how the Pandemic has been managed in some quarters. What would be the break-even number for the Ricoh? If Chief's can't make 2,000 viable you would imagine that the figure would be far higher for a stadium the size of the Ricoh.
132
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: With Thanks to NorthernShedHead
« on: November 24, 2020, 01:17:40 PM »
Love Glous fans! Nobody is a bigger critic of Gloucester when they'e playing badly than their own supporters. I have a very vivid memory of an away match at Kingsholm many years ago. There was a middle aged woman in front of us in the stand who was dishing out abuse to our players like you wouldn't believe, the language was incredible! Particularly of course to the Shed favourite Lawrence Dallaglio who further endeared himself to them with a little cheeky wave during the warm up. We slowly but surely turned the match in our favour and ended up giving them a real hiding, the woman turned her tongue lashing onto her own players! This continued after the final whistle, we were seated close to the players tunnel so the Gloucester players were left in no doubt as to what their supporters thought of their effort!!!
133
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: England v Georgia
« on: November 14, 2020, 06:34:05 PM »
Dan threw one slightly dodgy pass that golden boy Faz spilled so that’s probably his last cap knowing Eddie Jones
134
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: England v Georgia
« on: November 14, 2020, 05:05:58 PM »
I thought Launch was outstanding. His work rate was ridiculous, he took 90% of our line out balls, his tackle count must be amongst the highest in the team and he was winning turn-overs. Played the full 80 minutes too.
Dobby didn’t disgrace himself either with not that much time to impress
Dobby didn’t disgrace himself either with not that much time to impress
135
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Discussion with the Ticket Office re the coming season(s)
« on: November 03, 2020, 10:43:28 AM »
This may have some relevance to sporting events including rugby so I thought I'd share it here.
The company I work for are very heavily involved in the #WeMakeEvents campaign as a huge percentage of our customers are involved in the live music industry and have had zero income since March. There are plans for a trial non-socially distanced live music event following research into how Covid is transmitted. Apparently, after a negative test there is a 72 hour window where even if you contract the virus you cannot pass it on to anyone else. The idea is that you get tested and if negative get a 3-day "passport" enabling you to attend an event. Obviously there's work to be done on low cost and readily available tests but potentially it could open the door for live and sporting events to fully restart. There has been a meeting with the Police who have given their Preliminary approval for the trial event but obviously there would have to be Government approval before anything moves forward, given the boost to the economy it would bring they would be foolish to oppose it if the medical evidence that it is safe is compelling.
Keep your fingers crossed, if I hear any more details I'll post them.
The company I work for are very heavily involved in the #WeMakeEvents campaign as a huge percentage of our customers are involved in the live music industry and have had zero income since March. There are plans for a trial non-socially distanced live music event following research into how Covid is transmitted. Apparently, after a negative test there is a 72 hour window where even if you contract the virus you cannot pass it on to anyone else. The idea is that you get tested and if negative get a 3-day "passport" enabling you to attend an event. Obviously there's work to be done on low cost and readily available tests but potentially it could open the door for live and sporting events to fully restart. There has been a meeting with the Police who have given their Preliminary approval for the trial event but obviously there would have to be Government approval before anything moves forward, given the boost to the economy it would bring they would be foolish to oppose it if the medical evidence that it is safe is compelling.
Keep your fingers crossed, if I hear any more details I'll post them.