It matters not for the accusation that Archer might or might not be biased but it matters for the credilbility of the sport. Just try explaining to someone with a passing interst in the game why the ref is from one of the competing countries. They'll laugh at you and tell you what an insular little game it is you're watching.

I don't think that is anywhere near the indication.

Australian referees have used 'interpretation of the rules' to the best advantage of the Southern Hemisphere teams and then when some of the rugby gods venture onto the shores of our grey little island they either coach english/sle referees to the 'expected standard' or kick up a stink until the RFL folds and gives them all their demands. The RFL is too weak in a lot these situations.

But it is now game on for the lads and they have to play whatever goes on the field.

Warranabsoluteloadobollox.

It's the same for both sides. Play the game and play it HARD.

"It's the same for both sides". What sort of t*ss is that?

It clearly is NOT the same for both sides.

That is the whole point of the post.
It would be the same for both sides if we had a neutral ref.

All the ref has to do is explain what he expects before the game.

Are we the only supposed international sport in the world where the ref in the biggest game is from one of the competing nations? The Atlantic Cup is on in November and all three games will have a neutral ref. Why is the idea of a neutral ref so difficult for some people to grasp? It undermines the games crdibility if the ref is from one of the participating countries. It has nothing to do with Archer's ability to officiate it's about the appearance of the game which at the moment is Mickey Mouse. We only need to develop an international standard ref from three countries to always have a neutral ref. Is that a difficult task?

from that deludedpom you are inferring that a ref from a participating country is biased in some way - it's never been a great problem in cricket (except for a certain Pakistani umpire & Mike Gatting) so why should it be any different in RL ?
Phil Bentham had three good games in the recent Alitalia Cup series in france but i'm sure Thierry Alibert would have done just as good a job.
As I keep saying,wait till after the game and judge the refs performance accordingly.
regarding the Aus v Eng game on sunday the english players will have to be aware of the aussie refereeing styles which shouldn't be a problem for professional international sportsmen.Just don't use it as an excuse if/when they get stuffed.

dear sanjunien.

You are missing a fairly important point or two in the the aussies will only accept their own match officials as being good enough which is utter crap.
The real reason is because they nor I have never seen an aussie ref giving his own team a "hard time".
Remeber when they changed the IRLB rules for australia to allow their own VR "observer"? WTF was thart about.

Things to look for are: 50/50 decisions where you can't argue individual decisions being unfair or biased - you have to look at the weight or quantity of these. Also penalty count is no guide; look for penalties given in useless positions and times e.g. when in possession early in the tackle count near a teams own line.
If you want to be gullable then fine.

I see your reasoning 'saints at wire' and can understand your reluctance for an aussie ref tho' I think it's more a case of the english players adapting to the aussie refs attitude and approach to the game etc

I have to agree with you about the 50/50 decisions tho' and of course the penalty count means very little as any ref can and does try to even things up on paper especially in the last quarter - the most blatant incident I have ever seen was this season at the Limoux v Leigh cup game where the ref ((from Leigh incidentally !) actually 'gave' Limoux about ten penalties in the last five minutes to make the penalty count look even.The ref was seemingly so biased towards his home town team it was embarassing !

I feel the most important thing for the english is to stay disciplined (especially James G & Joel T) and not invite the aussie ref to take action.

And is this with both coaches together, or private meetings with each coach. I know for a fact that Sheens has asked for a meeting with Archer to "clarify" a few things (you can have a guess what they will be), but I don't recall McNamara wanting any such meeting.

Anyway, Archer is a homer so I'm expecting nothing less than a biased performance. His attitude is a disgrace. The way he was speaking to the England players last week was shocking. Thing I'm concerned about is the video ref. When England played New Zealand, there were two video referees; one from Australia and one from England's opponents, New Zealand.

Tomorrow, there is only one video ref, and yep you've guessed it, they are Australian, the nationality of England's opponents. Why has an English official not been asked to do VR duties? THe whole thing is a shambles.

It should be neutral referee's, but Australia haven't got the to go with it because they feel it will "harm" them.

dont know why we let these filthy aussies call the shots. if we pulled out the comp would be worthless like their nrl where players get paid a pittance thats why they come over here for some decent money. we wont get a fair crack of the whip from a bitter jealous aussie ref why bother ?

You're missing the point completely san. Cricket now has neutral umpires. In no way have I questioned Archer's impartiality. If I have copy and paste it for me. My point is the credibility of the international game is not good at the best of times and having a ref from one of the competing nations reduces it even more. It's about the perception of the game to outsiders. We are seen as a parochial little game that's played in northern England and eastern Ausralia and the fact that the ref is from Australia just confirms this to some people. There are plenty of Aussie supporters who don't rate Archer full stop so the argument about quality over neutrality doesn't hold water with me.

just get the game played and whinge,complain,criticise even give praise post-match instead of pre judging !

great to see young Sam in his rightful place - this bunch of green 'n golds may just be there for the taking, even with aussie officials ?