'Referee spoilt a good game'

Monday August 22 2005
Our readers weren't very complimentary of the referee, Ireland's Alain Rolland, in South Africa's 22-19 win over Australia. And they were equally divided on the outcome of the match.

Here's what you said in the Perth encounter...

"Congratulations to the Boks, but hard luck to the Aussies.  It was a tremendous match, and from an Australian perspective, a much improved performance.  However, the Boks showed just how dangerous they can be, especially with Habana in the side.  It will be interesting to see how The ABs deal with him next week.  I thought Waugh and Elsom were immense for the Aussies as was the Full-Back, what a talent, and what a future he has ahead of him.  For the Boks, Berger was brilliant as well as the whole pack.  Consistency is the name of the game, and the Boks certainly have that at the moment.  Last round begins next week.  Good luck to the Boks, their defence will give the ABs a rough time."
- Em,  Hong Kong

"It is great to note that South Africa scored 3 tries on Saturday, 2 for Habana and one for Rathbone. Shame on Eddie Jones for the deliberate spoiling tactics by Bill Young, I guess it shows you what Australia are really about&..shameful."
- Greg Olbe

"I noticed that australia had one of there men in the lineout cross the gap(own throw in) and bump into the south africans. This made it difficult/impossible for the south africans to steel a ball.

"This happend often during the line-outs. As far as I know this is not allowed and should have resulted in a penalty. Should the line's men not have pointed this out to the ref. Could the captain have asked the ref to keep an eye on this tactic.

"What do the laws state on the tactic used and what role could the lines-man play in informing the ref?"
- Mike, Holland

"In my humble opinion, The match between Australia and South Africa could have been a match of several quarters - the dominating theme was the referee.  The first 20 minutes was mire of constant interruptions, with an occasional spark of brilliance such as that try of Habana.

"There has to be some uniting interpretation of the rules by southern and northern hemisphere referee's.  Not only in the run of play but allowing the 'advantage rule.'

"I have always been of the opinion that Rugby games from the Southern Hemisphere were more pleasurable to watch - attributing it to the style of Rugby played by those teams.

"I now think that the refereeing has something to answer for.

"The Australian commentators on Channel 7 described the referee after a particular incident (awarding a penalty against the South Africans) as a 'Boof Head.'  I am inclined to agree.  Although to be fair, the other commentator pointed out - 'at least he is consistent.'  the referee awarded some very peculiar decisions throughout the game.

"More-over, the referee is quoted that he read what was expected of him by the coaches prior to the game being played.  Who cares what was written in the press.  Refereeing is an abstract position - with decisions purely made of the facts presented.

"And don't get me started on the 'Nancy' 3-week suspension of Paulse.

"Overall, I think South Africa will be in trouble when they play the All Blacks next week.  New Zealand has simply too much fire power."
- Gaius King

"I agree Paulse should have been suspended but I ask why was Baxter not punished? A professional foul in a match does often lead to a yellow card? If he had not been infringing there would not have been a secondary infringement. Baxter admitted infringing and yet was unpunished. I think citing commissioners urgently need to look at nailing nigglers & what message does it send to young developing rugby players and the public?"
- Byron Loader

"I am currently on holiday in Australia and watched the Aus v SA game on Fox Sports 2. I was amazed at what went on in the commentry box! I am a big fan of the referee Alain Rolland and think he is a top referee.

"By his standards I am sure he will agree he had an average game! However this does not condone the comments from the guys calling the game! At one point he described the referee as a 'Buff Head'. Verbal abuse to referees is a growing concern at all levels of the game and immature and irrational comments like that are destructive to the game of rugby.

"What example are we giving to future generations who are going to watch and play the game. When they have spent hours learning the laws of accidental offside then they maybe qualified to give a valid opinion. Any decent commentator has to neutral in their views and see the game from all perspectives.

"On this occasion they got it completely wrong (& not the referee)! So maybe they need to look at their own performance before abusing a match official!"
- Raymond Crozier, England

"This was one game I wanted the Aussies to win if only to rein in the Bokke.It was no to be. Mond you Percy Montgomery got a lucky break with ref not seeing the knock on. Now its a two horse race which NZ will win. Saturday night will be the deciding game.

"That Northern Hemisphere pillock commentator Stephen Jones has been telling us ad nauseum about the great referees from that part of the world.

"Apart from the French man Joel Jutge the others have been less than mediocre.The speed of the game in the SANZAR nations probably has them at an disadvantage being used to refereeing plodding shire horses instead of thoroughbreds."
- Gerry Portegys, New Zealand

"What a complete joke this Judicial Committee. Honestly a bunch of old farts! Sounds familiar?"
- Frans van der Westhuyzen

"Whilst it is usually a pleasure to see the Ozzies and whinging Gregan lose, even I'm starting to feel sorry for them - only a bit though.  To lose your No. 10 minutes before kick off and re-jig your back line is very difficult.  Combined with their injury crisis in the backs its been a tough week.  The press are carping even louder with Gregan and Jones taking plenty of abuse.  The game in Auckland against the ABs is now huge for Wallabies.

"Big defence and offering little in attack, the Boks aren't playing open rugby.  Habana's pace made sure he won the race to collect a brace, but aside from that the Boks aren't impressing going forward.  Although do the Boks care?  Winning whilst playing ugly is the mark of a good team and the last three World Cups have been won by teams focusing on defence.

"The game this Saturday at the House of Pain could be a classic.  Collins v Burger part 2 and what tricks will Henry and Smith dream up to stifle the Boks rush defence?  In one corner the slick AB back line v the aggressive Bok rush defence - and the winner is...."
- Scottie, Englishman in Oz

"So we have a game of rugby played at international level. Complete with professional players as well as professional touch judges and refereed by a professional. One grabs another's foot and will not let go so the victim kicks out in frustration. What happens? Oh I know lets have a judicial committee made up of people who are paid to be there decide to suspend the victim. Holding a persons foot, is that not what goes on in a kindergarden playground?

"This is ridiculous. However coming from Australia it does not surprise me. Sour grapes I'd say."
- Des

"Typical, South Africa beat Australia or New Zealand then those teams will look to cite a South African (even when their player incited the kick). The result by a kangaroo court was not surprising. ( the same period given for biting during the lions tour.)

"So the advise to South African, is stop being Mister nice guy, hire people to go through the videotapes afterwards. Arrange a kangaroo court in SA as biased as the one in Australia give the AB of Kangaroo a six months sentence and then maybe they will come to some semblance of fair play."
- SA Supporter

"Regarding the sending off of Breyton Paulse, I have watched the so-called offence over and over and am convinced that there is no ruck and no off-sides lines, and the ball is clearly loose. I believe that he was fully entitled to play the ball. On the field ears the ref can be heard to say that its 'for deliberately kicking the ball out.' Is this against the rules?
 
"Apart from their props going off-sides and standing on Victor Matfield's feet, there were also occassions when the Ozzies would "block" our defenders at set-piece - notably from their line out. (Where was our captain?) Surely coaches should be reprimanded for willful illegal tactics? Professional fouls earn players cards."
- Lyndon Momberg

" I am no Aussie but after watching the way the referee  controlled the match yesterday I would feel very hard done by. Its time theses refs were held accountable for the shocking way they can choose who wins and who loses in big matches. The Saffa's were off side the whole game but did he ping them NO. Yet when ever Aussie did anything he blew them up. Its a joke. Sort these refs out."
- Keith

"I have some difficulty in understanding how  somebody(Baxter) can act in a way that is illegal and  against the Laws of the game, as in the case of Baxter  and Paulse, where Paulse receives a citation for retaliation(kicking while held illegally) and subsequently, a ban, and Baxter walks away smiling.

"Nobody(officials) saw the event, so who is coming to  the aid of Paulse. I remember many times in games  personally having to use 'less than legal tactics' to try correct a "wrong" because of lack of policing by officials, such as 'holding down in line-outs.'

"If someone RECEIVES a punishment for retaliation TO an act deemed illegal or contrary to the Laws of the game, the inciting player should receive an equal ban as that of the retaliating player. To be remembered Paulse was already on a YELLOW and Baxter may well have picked on Paulse intentionally to have him removed from the game. Paulse now has a financial penalty, what about Baxter?

"Young from the very first line-out in the game illegally crosses the line out to block Matfield on Australias throw. He does this all game, and for periods that he is replaced by Dunning, Dunning does the same. Matfield protests all game and eventually get 10 meters from the ref for the referees complete pedantic incompetence (demonstrated here and in other incidences).

"What is Matfield to do? Matfield, is essentially, also on 'a warning' coming off the All Blacks game. Does he strike Young in the face as he jumps forward for the ball legal since he is not to be impeded on his side of the line out?

"Then, he is the catalyst for the ensuing fight, which may have him banned and then a loss of substantial income. So, because of poor refereeing(should be fined), Australias line out works(not because it is good, but illegal according to the Laws) and South Africa have a huge weapon removed from their game, allowing Australia to remain closer. Since Australia had this coached into their game(Young and Dunning) their coaches should be fined also! That is in the hypothetical example used."
- Craig Pearson, SA in USA
 
"Bad, bad BAD refereeing! Great to see the Boks pull one over the Wallabies though....
 
"I thought that we got lucky, but that we still deserved the outcome, as the guys defended with all of their hearts. It was good to see the team play as one unit. Kudo's to John Smit; the guys obviously love and respect their captain. No Kudo's to the one Aussie commentator, who morphed from objective to whiny somewhere towards the end of the first half.... "
- Conrad Kusel

"I cannot believe how every time a South African goes into a disciplinary hearing either it is long suspension or nothing!! Breyton Paulse, needing discipline?  He has recieved 2 yellows and a 3 week suspension in the Tri Nats alone!! You mean to tell me there are no other players that have been ill disciplined out there???
 
"Two Aussies & a Kiwiw on the panel? What chance did he have? Every other discipline hearing that has taken place has had at least 1 South African representataive on it & the Boks never got a thjing....Matfield, etc...but now there is 2 Aussies & 1 Kiwi - Breyton gets 3 weeks??
 
"Strange at best....but no surprises at all....never has been any consistency anyway & never will be..."
- Nino Cassata

"It certainly was a very hard test but unfortunately I thought that the ref spoiled it. I read an interesting article in the Sunday newspaper written by Andrew Slack and referring back to the 60's and 70's where the refs killed the game - so sad that it happened again and unfortunately from a Northern Hemisphere ref. Is the difference in interpretations so huge.

"I paid $100+ for my ticket but are not interested in doing it again if match officials spoil matches like this."
- Croukamp

"You have to feel sorry for Jones and his team of convicts, the Jarpies did spend most of the match cluttering up the Aussie line in what continues to be a one sided game plan of living offside and thumping your opponents.

"The ref was appaling and its about time the Boks got carded for their cheating ways... how many 'final warnings' do you get these days?"
- Phil Moore

"How many tries have been scored by SA on counter-attacks during their last six tests matches? By answering over than 80 % I bet I am close to the right statistic. Sure their defense is excellent but are the referees really watching the off-side line ???"
- Pilou, France

"It was a excellent win. The only down point about the game was that the referee. He wanted to be the centre of attention and prevented a free flowing game. I feel the IRB should send him back to Ireland to referee club rugby as he showed he does not belong on the same field as our classy Boks. Great web site keep up the good work."
- Patrick & Sue

"South Africa deserved to win ...but I think that the mistake of SA loosing a player of Rathbone's potential is still unbelievable.On the other hand Australia will convince themselves that his one of them...sad!!!"
- Ivo ,  London

"What a fantastic match of rugby! And an excellent win for the Boks! Although a little messy, both teams played their hearts out - one in defence and one in attack. Defence, as usual when done right, won the day.

"The Boks have really turned a corner over the last year. It's been difficult watching their fall from grace in the prior years. Now they're playing their traditional 'defend to attack' rugby they're on the up (if not on the top?). Lest we forget, a similar style of play won England the world cup last year.

"The Aussies had a few bad calls from the ref (well many), but so did the Boks. At the end of the day the Boks got away with fewer, I admit. However, something has to be said (and done) about the Aussies cynical and illegal tactics. Jake White has brought the scrum to the foreground, so now they're behaving a little better (and really being shown up).

"So instead we see them move these tactics to the line out! How are you meant to compete for the ball with Aussie props popping up in your line? Mind you, with Mr. Rolland missing all the obvious incidents, he was unlikely to pick that up.

"It is a sad day, however, when Breyton Paulse, very much the good boy of world rugby, is banned for foul play. Clearly frustrated by more cynical Wallaby play (Baxter illegally holding on to him off the ball), he lashed out.

"Yes it was wrong, and yes Baxter did it to wind him up. But to then follow it up with a citation and make sure he can't compete next week? For me that turned the Wallabies from being passionate and proud even in defeat to a bunch of whinging losers.

"Where's the love?"
- David Boyd, South African in Cambridge

"On quite a few occasions at a line-out, a bright very noticeable gold jersey nonchalantly steps over and positions itself in amongst the green side before the ball is thrown in and whilst the 2 opposing sides are jostling around to confuse the opposition jumpers (that it bears the number 1 is co-incidental). The referee doesn't pick this up, nor for the matter, do the touch judges seem to regard this as errant. Surely this should be penalisable?
 
"And should selfsame player not be sin-binned for repeatedly bringing down the scrum? Comments please."
- Chris
 
"What a disgrace. Hard fought game with alot of passion, determination, and purpose but only  to fall short once again.  Thats now four straight losses in a row. Soon to be five when the Woeful  Wallabies go to Auckland.

"South Africa's defense held up well but you can't always win games on defense alone. Your umbrella defense will be found out soon enough. SA still haven't shown any real attacking abilities. Brian Habana can run at break  neck speed, but he needs a ton of space to do that and a bit of luck.

Clearly, no creativity displayed from neither the Woeful Wallabies or South Africa last night.
 
"I'm banking on an All Blacks win this weekend (even without Carter) for revenge for their loss in Capetown and their hunger to get the silverware from SA. Also, our support in NZ will lift the AB's to win at home. Just like South Africa at home.
 
Then the following game against the Woeful Wallabies in Auckland, the All Blacks will hand out Australia's fifth consecutive test loss just to confirm Eddie's worst nightmare. Your coaching days are now numbered and your record speaks more loses than wins and not building for the future.

And for Planet Rugby. Great web site but why were'nt our E-Mails about the All Blacks 30-13 win over the Woeful Wallabies posted last week? I would have loved to have read some comments from other readers from this web site.

A little bit disappointed.
 
"None the less. Good win to SA. Hard luck to the Woeful Wallabies and GO THE ALL BLACKS."
- Gee

"Am I the only person who saw the blatant knock on by Montgomery at the back of the ruck that went on to feed the second Habana try? Clearly the ref didn't. The South Africans were more than lucky to come away with a win."
- Lorraine Dezarnaulds

"I would just like to say that I am a South African living in the UK and couldn't be prouder of the Springboks.  They've overcome such adversity to retake their rightful crown as one of the best if not THE best team in the world.

"Unfortunately I don't get much of a chance to watch them play but follow their progress very closely on Rugby365 and am very impressed in the way that Mr White has turned SA rugby around.  Now the tri-nations and believe that if he stays and the government doesn't interfere the William Webb Ellis trophy will definatley be coming back to where it belongs, the really deserve it!

"Well done boys, keep it up, you are doing us all proud!"
- Matt Saffery, Sussex, UK

"The prospects of an ugly game were very real and some strong refereeing was necessary. Unfortunately Alain Rolland was not up to the task. After a fantastic game by Tony Spreadbury last weekend, Rolland was on the back foot from early on. Both the Wallabies and the Boks had to forego opportunities due to the quick blowing of Rolland, the fastest whistle from the North.

"Penalties aplenty and a very dubious yellow card for Paulse - ruck, what ruck? If anything Breyton had a split second, realised no ruck had formed and got stuck in. South Africa are not playing pretty rugby at the moment and last night did not allow any change to this."
- Ian Feek, South African in Oz

"With so many injuries, and the press demanding Gregan and Jones fall on their swords, the Wallabies responded with one of the most prideful, heroic performances I have ever seen in professional sports. The only problem is that Australia needed a perfect match to defeat S. Africa -- an impossible task against a Bok XV that morphs its defense into offense in the blink of an eye.
 
"Australia have nothing to be ashamed of and Gregan has nothing to apologize for, as this match could have easily gotten out of hand after Habana's first full-pitch sprint for a try. As a Bok fan and France XV fanatic, I am completely envious of the spirit that kept Australia in this one. Just imagine if Monty had NOT nailed his midfield drop goal!
 
"Kudos to both the Boks and Wallabies! One of the greatest matches I have ever seen!"
- Robert, USA

"The Boks have just shut down their Oz critics on the topic of 'winning away', scoring a victory in Perth even though possession did not go all their way, lineouts were dubiously spoiled by Aussie props, some wild passes made, and Monty's performance was mixed.

"Now is the time to change the record book about winning in that filthy little rugby ground at Dunedin that New Zealanders always use to home advantage. From world no.2 to world no.1 is a short step to take against an overrated (by their supremacist fans) All Black squad."
- Richard,  SE Asia

"CONGRATULATIONS!!! Bokke rule!! Nice win for the team who deserved it - those guys have played so well for two years now.

"We were priviledged enough to be home in Perth for the past two games and they were fantastic as well. Pity we do not get live coverage here in the US. What can be done about that??  We are here for five years and really miss the live Rugby Union coverage..............
 
"Look forward to seeing who wins Tri-Nations this year!! Thanks for great website."
- Liz

"Why the inconsistent refereeing - this guy killed the game - at least he had no clear favourites, but how could he send Paulse off? The team showed their mettle by weathering that storm though.
 
"Andre is a shit hot kicker - why didn't he replace Percy after the second miss? 13 points is unacceptable.
 
"It was nice to see Jaco van der Westhuysen play well, his kicks were even better than Andre's.
 
"If the ball had stuck & we had 1% better luck we could confortably have had the 5 pointer.
 
"Can't wait for next week!"
- Jacques Snyman

"Well done to South Africa for grinding out a great win.  I feel South Africa had a bad day at the office today and if they can iron out the basic mistakes then I am confident that they will beat New Zealand.  Well done to Australia today. They played with loads of passion and could have won.

"Gregan should stay but I think Eddie should get the push.  I think he believes his own hype and it is now starting to back fire.  We need the Aussies to play a blinding game in New Zealand if South Africa do not win next week.  I am sure the mighty Springboks will rise to the challenge!!"
- Marcus, Newcastle Upon Tyne

"Frenetic first half but outstanding defence won the day especially in the second half which led to the winning try.

"The ref was so pathetic no feel for the game what about the lineouts what about the invisible linesman.

"Credit to the Oz players for never giving up and nearly pulling it off. Bokke caught out with Oz lineout illegal play (diabolical) but smart and variation 5 times extra man advantage called

"Oz attacked rush defence well but great screen defence by our loose trio (absolutely outstanding) exceptional

"The balance of the Bokke team looking right - took Jake awhile but credit due new midfield and loose trio must be the best

"The pace of the game was incredible another high tempo game Bokke blew a few tries and kicks but we won

"The loose trio already mentioned Jaque Fourie defence and support lines great Jaco showing some tacticle nous at last well done Januarie great defense option taking needs some work Habana after a few over anxious games speed to burn

"One win away from home one to go and with our under 21 winners showing form in the CC Bokke getting closer

"Last but not least much maligned John Smit the skipper who with Jake bought back the enjoyment and pride besides the external crap to our beloved Bokke well done

"Lets unlock the Kiwi Duneden fortress next

"We've had Christie, Mallet and now Jake sometimes slow on the uptake but does listen

"To Our Sacred Green and Gold Jersey with Springbok Emblem."
- Alan Barlow

"Aus. showed how to beat the rush defense of South Africa.They always got over the gain line.But once over just couldnt recycle fast enough as the SA loose forwards were always 1st at the breakdown.Burger and Juan Smit were just too fast for Waugh and co.

"No question that the Aus skill level is better and that they had 70% of the game,but the inability to get fast 2nd phase ball at breakdown time after time lead to frustration,overcommitment on attack and no one home come counter attack time.

"What a game of rugby.What commitment from both teams.What other sport can produce such valiant and utterly fearless young men?"
- Leslie Udwin, Johannesburg.

"Well done to the Springboks and their loyal fans. Also, respect to the positive Wallabies. This is excellent international rugby. I am delighted that the Springboks won but I realize that on a different day the result could easily have gone to the other team.

"What makes me happy is that the Springboks have been in contention for the win on a consistent basis over the last year.

"The Springboks have been playing clean rugby and they have a relatively young side which helps fans feel positive for the future. Thank you to all the people involved in this success."
- Paul in Santa Cruz, California

"How can you rate Fourie Du Preez higher that Januarie? The first time Fourie touched the ball, he knocked on (luckely the ref penalized the Ausies). The second time he touch it, he kicked directly into touch. The third time he touched it, he kicked staight into an Ausie's hands, who just started another attack.

"And when it comes to tackling, the only thing he does is play touch rugby.

"Has anybody noticed how many time the opposing team start scoring when this person is brought on? Will Jake White only learn his lesson that Fourie Du Preez does not belong in the Springbok team any longer, once he looses the game in the last 20 minutes after he has been brought on?"
- Andre Hanekom, Florida, USA

"In South Africa we are fortunate to have Afrikaans commentary when we watch an international being played in Australia. My sympathies go out to the rest of the world that have to listen to the Aussie commentators. There can't be anything worse in world sport at the moment than this crowd of pathetically biased planks.

"We recorded the game and forgot to change the language today, but it will never happen again. Fortunately, next week we'll have Mexted, Drake and co. to look forward to. Well done to the Boks. Listen to all the excuses from the Aussies in the coming week&. Boks off side, Ref is bad etc. Live with it &.. YOU LOST."
- Graeme, SA

"I'm a Kiwi and my mates watching the game were English and Saffa. All agree that that was possibly the worst example of refereeing we have ever seen. Alain Rowland really did have a bad day by blowing up unnecessarily  and missing the the blindingly obvious. Well done both teams for trying to get a game of rugby into the 80 minutes of Irish gob and whistle. Should have really been your villain of the match."
- Dave In London

"SA did well to win in Aus for the firts time in 7 years with such a young, inexperienced team. NOW FOR THE ALL BLACKS, let us inflict pain on them in THE HOUSE OF PAIN, and defend our trophy and pride. Till then, let us not be complacent."
- Muzi Madondo, London

"The Springboks have a poor away record fact. The home side in a tight game have the added advantage of crowd support and 50/50 calls fact.

"A few examples:

"Paulse being yellow carded for being off-side after a tackle, even the Australian commentator agrees its a mistake by the ref! Bakkies Botha being blown for a high tackle when he grabbed the players collar, no dangerous play and the Australian commentator said hes hard done by. Now, if Australian commentators agree the Springboks are done in, you must know its really going bad out there!

"In the dying minutes of the game with huge crowd support behind them, the Aussies get away with murder! 3 obvious examples:

"George Smith breaks away early from the scrum, ref tells him to get back!!! And doesnt play advantage to SA!!! Guess who wins the ball when SA knock on  yeah, you guessed it, George Smith!

"John Smith and Jaco van der Westhuysen stand behind the last feet of the ruck, the ball pops up to Whitaker who is put under pressure by John Smith, Jaco attacks the flyhalf with the rush defence. The poor ref is totally out of position to see if Jaco is off-side but award the penalty to Australia anyway!

"Matt Rogers catches the ball in his 22, places a short kick and chases, Juan Smith catches the ball and runs into Rogers and George Smith who never got out the 10 meter radius. No penalty or even advantage to SA.
 
"Maybe Jake should talk to the ref about all the rules before the next game, not only Bill Youngs illegal scrumming! This side though is good enough to play with 14 against 16! Now for the mighty All Blacks in Dunedin, tough ask, but maybe with a little bit of Habana magic, who knows?"
- MG

"Allan Rollain needs to have his whistle permanently taken away, far too many penalites and stopages in play.  Has he never heard that some referees are condutors, while others are sargeants?  Obviously he is going for a higher military ranking as he blew his whistle way too much during the match and killed it for not only the players, but the poor spectators as well.

"For the game, SA were lucky to win due to Habana, who should be trying out for the 100 meter dash for the next Olympics.  That boy has got speed to burn and left many Aussies in his wake.  It was finally a good idea by Eddie Jones to take Gregan off and replace him with Whitaker, let this man play a f