Reposting from the front page. As is probably more appropriate here... and added a comment.
Anyone who doesn’t support the AB’s knows that, from watching the games, that there is a method to the madness. They are expert at playing the referee and will take every opportunity given. It is a sensible tactic, just as the SAfricans will happily infringe offside, the Wallabies will delibrately knock a pass down given an overlap. There are components of play the different teams adopt and are reflections of the competitions in which they play coming through.
They will happily give away multiple penalties within the 22 as well, as soon as the opposition has not taken the option to shoot at goal. I would love to analyse where the penalties take place to confirm my suspicion. I’m often struck by the cynical nature of alot of the play as well. You rarely see the All Blacks give away a try after a half break when compared to other teams. Yes they scramble well but they refuse to allow a breakdown the same opportunity to form as they would outside the 22.
And this has been the standard operational proceedure for multiple seasons (I might even suggest further back). But when the style of play was like last year where it was a goal kicking competition, they lost that competition (No DC). Perhaps it’s an underlying reason why World Cups result in a lost along the way tends to be a tight contest in the Quarters onwards that favours kicking sides, she that SAffers have probably the best record at WC's. And somewhat explains (IMO) the consistant winning record against the WB’s, as we want to score tries than kick goals.
I think Scarfman has taken the time to point out a valid issue. It's just easy to sound like sour grapes and deflect it through criticism of the motive. I would have hoped the the coaching staff would have recognised and come up with counter this. The reality of any rugby game is that it is the interpretation of the referee that dictates how the game will be played.
