Brumbies go the ref

Steve Walsh has always been a show pony. I remember what a pretentious prat he was in the IRU Bar underneath the main stand at Lansdowne Rd after the Irish beat us in 2002. He’s the Bill Harrigan of Rugby refs. Its all about his dyed hair and how much TV time he gets

I think you need to distinguish between amateur referees, who give up their time voluntarily to do a difficult job, to professionals who are paid a motza not to get it wrong.

In this case, the ref was woeful and deserves to get a serve from the affected players, and to suffer some penalty himself.

He should be dropped for the next round, at least.

I played a lot of lower grade rugby where the referees are as lacking in talent as the players. Usually they would blow their whistle more or less at random and wave their arms around like a bird learning to fly. I noticed that whenever someone started sharing their opinions on the quality of the calls, one of their arms would always start to get tired.

I played a lot of AFL, union and cricket many years ago now. It’s no different in any sport. However, one must remember that umpires and referees are not paid, unless at the higher levels, and do it for the love of it. If they didn’t turn up, then you wouldn’t have a game.

I played a lot of sport over the years too. I also got a lot of very poor referees and umpires. Players are not paid, unless at the higher levels, and do it for the love of it. If they didn’t turn up, then you wouldn’t have a game.

Participation in lots of sports has dropped off over the years. Poor umpiring has a lot to do with that.

Chicken or the egg.

Umpires should be encouraged and supported, but professionals at the highest levels should be open for criticism.

The biggest problems in the game for “Aussie” Steve Walsh were:

1, disallowing Adam A-c’s try for “double movement” This is the reason he gave Steven Hoiles when asked why it was not a try. Under Super 14 rules there is no such thing as Double movement. That is a rugby league rule. Maybe Steve Walsh should stop turning up to SANZA ref Meetings drunk (as he did 3 years ago when New Zealand dropped him as a ref) and start paying attention to the rules.

2, the second big problem was brought about because when Steven Hoiles got called for running after he was tackled he told Walsh ” thats a rubbish call” the mark was then advanced 10m with in kicking distance. From that time on it was clear that Walsh gave ever 50/50 call to the tahs.

Shame but if the brums played better and acted better they still should have won.
Also if the two brumby props spent a little more time in the ruck and maul and a little less time on the wing we might have been able to set a good platform for the real backs to play some good rugby. I think if our forwards play as they have all season this week against the reds we will get pumped, but maybe Ben Alexander will get a try, yay

Must remember to proof read before hitting “post”

I played a lot of lower grade rugby where the referees are as lacking in talent as the players … I noticed that whenever someone started sharing their opinions on the quality of the calls, one of their arms would always start to get tired.

Pretty much sums up may experiance playing in Canberra and the surrounding region in the 80s and early 90s. As a team you either knucled under and got on with the job or the Ref was going to work you over. Nothing was more pleasing to win a game inspite of whatever a half-baked Ref could throw at you.

I played a lot of lower grade rugby where the referees are as lacking in talent as the players. Usually they would blow their whistle more or less at random and wave their arms around like a bird learning to fly. I noticed that whenever someone started sharing their opinions on the quality of the calls, one of their arms would always start to get tired.

I saw a brief interview with Giteau on Sports Tonight last night where he mentioned this. Was a pretty frank reply to the question, haha.

Complaining is always frowned upon. No idea why.

The ref was rubbish. Why shouldn’t his performance be discussed?

Other refs have been sacked this year for making blunders, why is this guy any different?

Not sure it will help the Brumbies, they have looked pretty poor all year. But I do think that referees should be accountable for their performances. If not to keep the players happy, then how about the fans?

Admittedly, two dad’s disallowed try was a bit on the dubious side and Walsh’s management of the scrum leaves a lot to be desired, but this is a common failing of many rugby refs.

But I think the Git is simply complaining to cover up appalling performance over the last few weeks.

As long as the poor performance continues for another week, I’m happy. Forst time in a number of seasons that I can still proudly sport the Reds guernsey this late in the season.