Eddie Jones’ mission to provide good copy is relentless, and he starred yet again during the week when he had a pop at Alun Wyn Jones. However, he was absolutely on the money, because the Welsh captain clearly overstepped the mark when he planted his size 12 boot in front of the ball to prevent Finn Russell taking a conversion.
As captain he was entitled to try to speak to the ref, as long as the official wanted to hear from him. What he should not have done was anything to get in the way of him doing his job. He was wrong, and someone needs to have a quiet word in his ear – perhaps the mention of a yellow card would do the trick?
However, kickers trying to take a quick conversion because there’s a doubt about the validity of the try is happening more and more, and players cannot be blamed for trying to exploit a loophole in the laws. The answer is so simple that it beggars belief that the authorities have failed to act.
The introduction of the TMO was a breath of fresh air for rugby, with fewer non-tries being awarded, with more incidences of foul play being captured, and referees being pilloried on far fewer occasions. The only possible downside is that it adds a few minutes onto the length of the game – an insignificant problem if it leads to the right team winning.
This story is from the February 11, 2018 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 11, 2018 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.