There’s a breakdown

So we are one week into the RWC for 2011 and I must say I need to eat some words which I posted on my Twitter feed @GregHurvitz accusing the International Rugby Board (IRB) of not doing much for the “minnow” teams. I apologise to the IRB for this as I have been really impressed with the smallest of “minnows” like Russia, Georgia and Romania, which have played some really respectable rugby in my opinion. Of course their rugby is not anywhere enough to cause a stir but nevertheless these teams look far better than 2007 and this leaves me with the thought that 2015 could be even better.

I have to say that I believe this RWC 2011 has been well broadcast and the reports are that the vibe is sensational in New Zealand, well done. So in among all the complimentary and apologetic tones I do have an issue, which I believe may have the potential to tarnish the rugby showpiece — it is called the breakdown! I have to say that just looking at the Bok matches played so far, the referees are not getting this right — when I say this the word that rings to my mind is inconsistency. The referees are trying so hard that more often than not the wrong team is getting penalised.

As I see it the intention of the adjustments is to “try” and clean up this area of the game to add value to the entertainment of the game — to get the ball moving in the game — I do see some improvements but the referees need to apply this consistently especially in a tournament of this nature. Teams really have minimal time to prepare from game to game and I really don’t think we want them worrying about how the referee is going to police this crucial attacking tool.

Just reverting to the two Bok matches so far, I have to be very honest I am still somewhat amazed that Wayne Barnes holds an IRB referee position and he certainly made some horrific errors making the Welsh look even more effective than they were. They flew into the breakdown as if it was a swimming gala diving all over the place and got away with it. The Boks on the other hand got blasted out of the breakdown thereby destroying any confidence they may have had in contesting what should be a 50/50 part of the game.

On Saturday the French referee also seemed so infatuated with getting the ball moving that the juggernaut Fijians were entering the breakdown from all sides as opposed to the (in) famous gate. Surely the player going to ground needs some reasonable time to make the ball available to his team mates. It seems that to win a penalty here as a defender you simply need to stand over the tackled player and stay on your feet and Bob’s your uncle … or is that Paddy?

Springbok assistant coach Gary Gold kind of sums up my feeling saying that after long debate and analysis, referee’s rulings at breakdowns remain “a bit of a conundrum to us coaches”. I have news for you Gary, it remains a conundrum for us spectators as well. This is something that must be addressed and I hope my faith is well-placed in the IRB referees under the watch of New Zealander Paddy O’Brien. If not this will break down what is outside of this a superb Rugby World Cup.

As a side note I want to say that Boks played sensational rugby to beat Fiji, there was different elements to this Bok game which played a major role in the 49 points the Boks racked up. I believe that Frans Steyn at 12 in these games, where the opposition are physical beasts to be adored but need to be tackled, is a better option. Danie Rossouw is showing that game time and faith reaps reward, man of the match performance today, well-deserved. Well done to everyone involved in the Springbok camp in this match, keep it going.