The run home: the comp gets serious

[rustycruiser]

Stu Dickenson and Mark Lawrence have been appointed to ref the two semis. Craig Joubert will ref the final.

 

[Gagger]

Interesting. Where's "best ref in the world" Jonathan Kaplan?

Or as he's known around these parts - "that cheating fluffybunny"?

 

[chief]

Interesting. Where's "best ref in the world" Jonathan Kaplan?

Or as he's known around these parts - "that cheating fluffybunny"?

It appears Jon Kaplan's time has sailed. Refs were picked on form, surprising because Craig Joubert has had some pretty poor errors this season, KB (Kurtley Beale)'s offside, that Reds v Bulls scrum where it comes out the same tunnel. Would have thought Mark Lawrence or Stu Dickinson would have got it.

 

[rustycruiser]

I dunno about that. He is still one of the 19 refs on the IRB panal, and is scheduled to ref New Zealand vs Wales on June 26th and Australia vs New Zealand on August 7th.

 

[Pfitzy]

Kaplan needs to relax a bit more I think. He could be a better ref if he did.

Joubert has had his shaky moments this year but then he has been in some pressure situations.

Its a pretty bloody tough job.

 

[Hawko]

I think this is good news. If I had to pick a top four in order of merit this year I would have picked Lawrence, Dickenson, Munro and daylight followed by Joubert. Assuming the Stormers win, I hope Lawrence does the Tahs match and Dickenson the Crusaders, its the most neutral outcome. I like neutral refs, it stops you wondering all the time about unconscious bias.

Then if the Crusaders and Tahs get up we have a neutral ref for the final in Sydney too. Wishful thinking I know, but.....

 

[Gagger]

Interesting. Where's "best ref in the world" Jonathan Kaplan?

Or as he's known around these parts - "that cheating fluffybunny"?

It appears Jon Kaplan's time has sailed.

Seems G&GR has struck again

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/refereeing-imbalance-try-kaplan-for-size/

(please, humour me)

 

[JJJ]

Kaplan more likely dropped down the rankings due to his shocker in reffing the Canes vs Saders. The fact that Aussies hate him and consider him biased against us is more likely to strengthen his standing with SARU and NZRU.

 

[chief]

Kaplan more likely dropped down the rankings due to his shocker in reffing the Canes vs Saders. The fact that Aussies hate him and consider him biased against us is more likely to strengthen his standing with SARU and NZRU.

That being said, Joubert, Dickinson and Lawrence have been the best. Where oh where is Vinny Munro? IRB still rates Kaplan though, that's pretty much what matters.