The Breakdown | Episode 35 | Ranfurly Shield Fever

I specifically think he's got to be smarter with his game to where he can play error free. I get that he's still learning and pushing the limits, but he's making too many mistakes and I think now is the time to settle down. Hopefully just that attitude change I suggest can result in the above.

Tut tut JW, you should do better. and give the great Ireland team the credit it is due.

Edit: I see bill is attempting to pour some oil on troubled waters and buy some time but if England don’t get their defensive act together very quickly in the 6N, the pressure will really build on that front too. Interesting times…

I’m sure he didn’t intend to accuse Busby of anything as being up against 16 men, or 12 in the case of football is a phrase flippantly used the world over, but there’s no doubt he should have known better."

I give this a 9/10 for mental gymnastics as the level of difficulty was quite high. The author quotes Hansen directly but decides he could not have meant what he said because lots of other people say it. The author seems to recognize that the statement is still problematic.

"Being a rugby referee can seem like a thankless task at times and it’s regrettable that this episode doesn’t help in that regard but I don’t think it’s helpful to overprotect officials either."

Author seems to recognise the need to protect refs from such criticism but seems to think there is a slippery slope situation if they are offered too much protection. I guess refs feeling secure in their roles and being protected from accusations of cheating might lead to worst case scenarios like more people wanting to become refs? I'm really not sure what the issue of overprotecting refs might be.

Sure? Actually those absurd and useless conversations about refs is one of the things I find most detestable about football.

Ps what’s with the downvote on your own post…?