The Breakdown | Episode 7 | Leon MacDonald and the Blues

It's looking like the era of 3 wins (and whatever BP or winning margins) for a 6Nations title. With the fixtures and scheduling there should be minimum of 3 teams going for it on the last weekend. The tournament needs it.

But there is a big difference between questioning a decision and questioning the integrity of a referee. I don't mind a player or coach saying that they disagree with a Busby decision about Barrett, for example. In fact I am fine if they want to go and produce a tape and a commentary about it. Refs are in the public eye just as much as players are, and it's cool for people to analyze their performances IMV.

What's not OK is to say that they are biased, have hidden agendas, or intentionally favor certain teams or individuals. Nor is it great to call into question their competence, notwithstanding the obvious fact that some refs are more talented and/or experienced than others. Stick to discussing what they did, not who they are or what there intentions may be.

Also, while I think it should be fine (and not penalized) for a player or coach to disagree with certain decisions, I would observe that great teams don't blame "uncontrollables" for their losses and failures. As a player Hansen should treat refereeing the same as the bounce of the ball, the weather or injuries in the team. Uncontrollables are part of the challenge, regardless of how fair you think they are in any particular case.

I too love people "being engaging", but i don't like watching anyone debating decisions, in rugby, football or any sport.

In rugby people used to respect the referees. They don't anymore. In part that is because players are no penalised for disrespect, and in part its because lazy pundits find it easier to criticise referees than to analyse what the players are doing.

Ten years ago Dylan Hartley got 11 weeks for making similar statements to Mack Hansen. Given how standards have slipped since then, I think there's an argument that Hansen should have got more than 11.

England have a finite amount to spend on player wages, so can't just add young players to the squad for free.

Are you just giving up on arguing that Russia is similar to Nazi Germany? Or that Putin plans to take Hungary? Or that Russia is pursuing a settler colonial policy in Crimea? You're remarkably bad at justifying your views - almost as if you're just parroting what you've heard online and haven't actually put thought into any of your opinions.

OJ and Stuart both got off lightly.

attacking for most of the match, but then trying to scramble to shut down an opposition counter would be like trying to hit a century break after being away from the table for most of the preceding frames!

I like your idea of an Aussie partnership with overseas clubs, it seemed like London Irish were heading that way a few years ago.