Who's that new bloke at training? Deans tries to break down ref barrier
Greg Growden Chief Rugby Correspondent | June 11, 2009
THE Wallabies have decided to end being at odds with the referees, particularly at scrum time, by inviting in some of Australia's leading whistleblowers to advise them on what is right and wrong.
For years, Australian Test teams have complained of being bewildered by refereeing interpretations, especially at the tackle and during the set pieces. Many coaches have complained there is even no point talking to the referee before the match, because their interpretations on match day often appear different to what they explained pre-game.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has opted to end the confusion by inviting Stu Dickinson and Nathan Pearce to their training sessions in the past week to cast an eye over whether there are any illegalities in their play. Dickinson attended their training sessions in Sydney last week, while Pearce was at Monday's session in Canberra - the first before Saturday night's Test against Italy.
It is not a novel approach, as the All Blacks have used a similar system, and Deans invited referees to sessions when in charge of the Canterbury Crusaders. However the relationship between the Wallabies and the Australian referees has sometimes been distant, with numerous whistleblowers saying they would help out, but they had never been invited. Deans said both players and referees benefited from the interaction.
"It makes our preparation as close as possible to a game," Deans said. "It ensures that when we're doing scrum work, we are involved in a real experience, because that's what we have to deal with - come the hour. Also there are elements in the game, around the tackle and kick-chase, which can be confusing.
"This helps to alleviate that. We believe we are getting benefits out of it, and the local referees have been great. We've had a lot of interaction with them, and they seem to be enjoying it. We certainly are. It's just a matter of ticking all the boxes, and ensuring that we have done all we can to hit the ground in the best shape." Deans said it was nothing new. "A fair few coaches do it, but they don't talk about it. I wouldn't be either, except you asked the question."
Wallabies back-rower Dean Mumm said the players enjoyed the referee's involvement, explaining it helped to alleviate so much misunderstanding from either party. "It provides the referees with an insight in how we approach the scrum. Co-operation is important is ensuring that we all go forward," Mumm said.
"It is definitely a two-way street, and it is important to know what the referee is after at the scrum. It is an area which has been widely publicised and sometimes appears to involve a guess. Their knowledge is increasing, and that co-operation with the front-rowers has certainly added to that.
"If we know what they want, and they have an idea what we want, then we can work within their restrictions, and it will have to benefit both of us. If we can work together at a certain level, without getting frustrated, that'll also help."
The Wallabies have also amplified the use of opposed scrummaging sessions, where local players are brought in to test out the main pack. "We've been doing that for a year or so, but it has been ramped up this season, which means you can work on your combinations without weakening your scrum. That has been very positive," Mumm said.
Italy will announce their Test team today, with Craig Gower expected to be named at five-eighth and fellow Australian Luke McLean at fullback.
