Monday’s rugby news has Link’s measured referee criticism, scrum dramas again, Fardy’s injury highlighting concussion concerns and a startling revelation from Sam Warburton.
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Link bemoans referee blunders
Ewen McKenzie has condemned the refereeing in the Wallabies’ match against England, unequivocally asserting that a few controversial decisions influenced the result. In particular, Link was critical of the the assistant referee’s failure to spot that England fullback Mike Brown’s feet were in touch when fielding a kick in the 48th minute. ‘That was a 90 metre turnaround…We should have been having a line-out five metres out (from England’s line). You can’t say those things don’t have an impact on the game,’ McKenzie said
Despite an arguable obstruction infringement in the moments before Owen Farrell’s try, the Wallabies coach was philosophical about the questionable refereeing seeing that the try had the benefit of the TMO. Although this does not preclude a terrible decision, Link added, ‘I guess that’s the vagaries of rugby.’ [/one_half]
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Scrum issues plague Wallabies
Brumbies Director of Rugby Laurie Fisher has called for a renewed application at scrum time after another disappointing performance at Twickenham. Fisher questioned the consistency of the pack, saying all eight needed to do their job ‘from the moment they bind to the moment the ball comes out.’ The Brumbies coach cited the tendency of the back row to switch off at times or concern themselves with their defensive assignments before the scrum was complete.
Although being dominated on occasion, it was clear that the Wallabies are still losing the war of perception, with several 50-50 calls going against the side. With four northern hemisphere opponents to come, it will be a very long tour if the Wallabies do not turn around their struggling scrum. [/one_half]
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Fardy concussion highlights risks
Scott Fardy is under an injury cloud for this weekend’s match after being knocked out in a tackle on England fullback Mike Brown. Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie confirmed that Fardy had not suffered any spinal damage and will follow the return-to-play concussion protocols set out by the IRB.
This injury comes as the RFU prepare to host the Rugby Concussion Forum at Twickenham on Thursday which sees players, directors of rugby, sports medics and neurological specialists discuss the best way forward for competitive rugby. One notable point of contention will be the Pitch Side Concussion Assessment trial, which many in the game believe should be extended from five to 20 minutes after a series of high-profile incidents where visibly concussed players have returned to the field. [/one_half]
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Warburton came to ‘hate’ captaincy
Sam Warburton has publically admitted that he voluntarily turned down the Welsh captaincy for the final match of the Six Nations campaign against England. Warburton said that even before the series he was reluctant to take on the extra responsibility because his recent injury-plagued form slump had made him doubt whether he should even be in the team. Many in Wales were calling for in form Justin Tipuric to be promoted to starter, prompting Warburton to assert, ‘The captaincy just felt like a huge burden.’
Warburton said that, following improved performances against Scotland and England, ‘I rediscovered my confidence and with it my entire outlook on rugby improved.’. The Lions representative is still waiting for a Cardiff Blues contract offer, having committing to Welsh Rugby despite being linked with French clubs Clermont, Toulon and Racing Metro. [/one_half]
