@Landers92 said in Highlanders v Brumbies:

Genuinely gobsmacked from O’Keefes decisions tonight. Common sense in rugby is completely gone.

The sport has been in a bad place for quite a while.

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders v Brumbies:

How could Bell have avoided the head clash

I ask that a lot, and the answer seems to be be bent when you anywhere near a player carrying the ball? Crazy, but most of these ycs are in my opinion.

@Dan54 said in Highlanders v Brumbies:

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders v Brumbies:

How could Bell have avoided the head clash

I ask that a lot, and the answer seems to be be bent when you anywhere near a player carrying the ball? Crazy, but most of these ycs are in my opinion.

There needs to be a rule/interpretation
amendment about upright players bracing for contact. It’s a fucking ridiculous way to officiate

@jimmyb said in Highlanders v Brumbies:

@Dan54 said in Highlanders v Brumbies:

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders v Brumbies:

How could Bell have avoided the head clash

I ask that a lot, and the answer seems to be be bent when you anywhere near a player carrying the ball? Crazy, but most of these ycs are in my opinion.

There needs to be a rule/interpretation
amendment about upright players bracing for contact. It’s a fucking ridiculous way to officiate

Bell's faced looked like a guy thinking oh shit just as Shaw's head came down at him.

If Bell was coming in from Shaw's right. He would have been in the prime position to bend over and brace in the proper position. And should have been expected to of done so.

Without a 2m lock putting on a big rightdoot step, Bell was ever going to be anything more than a second man in or a ruck cleaner.

When the sidestep occurred. He had no chance to get low. The time available to him to of made the change should have been considered.

The decision fucked the game. Referees who ref to the exact specifics of the rules without considering situational nuances remind me of dealing with lawyers at work who say; well the legilsation says XX, so we must do this. Fuck off. There is always wiggle room.

Didn't see the incident, but from what's being described - again it sounds like a tackler not taking enough care. I find it odd that 2m of height is being used as some sort of mitigation for Bell. It should be the opposite.

Be ready to tackle legally is the message. If you can't.... don't.

@Bones said in Highlanders v Brumbies:

Didn't see the incident, but from what's being described - again it sounds like a tackler not taking enough care. I find it odd that 2m of height is being used as some sort of mitigation for Bell. It should be the opposite.

Be ready to tackle legally is the message. If you can't.... don't.

“I didn’t see the incident.”

Probably could have left it there.

@Bones said in Highlanders v Brumbies:

Didn't see the incident, but from what's being described - again it sounds like a tackler not taking enough care. I find it odd that 2m of height is being used as some sort of mitigation for Bell. It should be the opposite.

Be ready to tackle legally is the message. If you can't.... don't.

The tackle is at 9 minutes

Wow, that's similar to a player raising an elbow into contact the way he dropped his head, rugby is fucked.

Not read the thread but my immediate reaction is disagreement with a couple of TMO calls.

Brumbie goes in with no arms and flips HL over the Hz landing awkwardly gets no sanction.

Brumbie lowers his head and essentially headbutts the tackler and tackler is carded, HLs lose field position and momentum.

Both errors by officials result in late turnaround.

HLs can feel aggrieved.

@Grooter said in Highlanders v Brumbies:

Classy try Nareki

That highlighted what a poor defender Toole is. He had the opportunity make a fair tackle as Nareki kicked the ball but stuffed that up. Nareki would have then been out of the game and unable to retrieve his own kick.

Bloody hell it is tough following the Highlanders. That Brumbies forward should have gotten a red for a deliberate headbutt.
DeGroot was on fire. Scrums, defense, the collisions, he was seriously impressive! I get the feeling he doesn't like the Brumbies. How can we get him fired up every week?

@Old-Samurai-Jack make him co captain.

He did the same a few seasons back when he was co - captain for a couple of games. was an absolute beast. He's a 'follow me' kinda guy and needs the responsibility to bring the best out of him.

@jimmyb said in Highlanders v Brumbies:

@Dan54 said in Highlanders v Brumbies:

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders v Brumbies:

How could Bell have avoided the head clash

I ask that a lot, and the answer seems to be be bent when you anywhere near a player carrying the ball? Crazy, but most of these ycs are in my opinion.

There needs to be a rule/interpretation
amendment about upright players bracing for contact. It’s a fucking ridiculous way to officiate

I agree completely, asking too much for everyone to be bent in case a player gets thrown your way.

@SouthernMann hah!

@frugby yeah sorry probably should have said I didn't see the full incident - just caught the back end of a replay after going to tmo which showed Bell smashing someone's face, at which I winced, uttered "oh that's not good" and went back in the kitchen. Came back surprised to hear it was only a yellow...