HKR (CC)

Quote: bedfordwarrior "I've said before on this subject, I follow both codes of the sport and let me tell you these exact same discussions are had across the divide every week about toughening the rules in the modern age around head shots, what is foul play, red cards, etc etc etc. A lot of fans, and even players and coaches, lament about it but this isn't going to change with all the stuff around head and brain injuries and the long term effects of playing rugby, and people need to get real and accept it.

Tackle technique has to change, and this is probably more of an issue for League (traditionally the more collision based version of the sport) than Union, but they're going to have do it. And everyone involved in the sport will have to also accept that unpopular or not this might well mean weaker, softer, more passive defence. Easier to make metres, offload and pass, and so therefore easier to score tries and points. And less of the "biff". That's the journey we're on, I don't see the direction changing.

Harsh or not, Shorrocks was far too upright, was leading more with the shoulder than an arm wrapping tackle, and managed to clout someone in the head. The players adapt, or keep getting red carded.

Mainly though I thought that loss was more about our lack of threat in attack. Yeah it was a wet day, but just one up passive runners as everyone else stood about, then give it to Smith to punt as high as he can in the air, and hope French/Field might eventually come up with some magic, is nowhere near enough. The attacking structure isn't good enough this year, and I don't actually think the biggest problem is not making metres.'"

I can live with the Shorrocks red because they’re pretty consistent on it now. You’re in more danger of cards playing in tv games, which feels wrong but that’s a different conversation.

I can’t excuse some of the other refereeing decisions, especially in that last 10-15 mins. It’s a tough gig and some calls will be wrong but things like KPP contacting Ryan in the air and the set not being restarted for the Minchella charge down are such simple calls. You know a straightforward call when you see one and don’t even think about what might be given. With KPP I just thought ‘idiot’ and with the charge down I thought we then had a great chance to win it. Some sort of captains challenge needs to come in (although if it would cover that charge down, I’m not sure).