Tag Archives: sports

The problem with Israel

Unquestionably Israel Folau has a passion for both the God of the bible and Rugby Union. These two passions we share, however where we differ is nuance and methods of evangelism. Izzy has come under intense scrutiny with his Instagram post which can be found here.

Checklist for failure

A game of rugby can be an absolute thing of beauty, but it can also be a real dogs breakfast. The sheer complexity of the laws when combined with an over exuberant referee and a group of players with little to no law knowledge is like a slow motion car crash, you don’t want toContinue reading “Checklist for failure”

Your Opinion does not Dictate Reality

Dangerous tackles deserve tough sanctions in my opinion (discussed here) but the discussion surrounding the red carding of Sio Tomkinson of the Highlanders (the video can be found here) is mind boggling. From keyboard warriors to “respected” news outlets all crying foul of what is a reasonable open and shut case.

Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory

Being a Waratah’s fan is hard work. We have more than a few fair weather supporters, but we don’t have a lot of fair weather to report. In a game which had high error rates, a penalty count of 26 and multiple disallowed tries there was an air of inevitability of a Waratahs defeat. WeContinue reading “Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory”

The Commentators Curse – Lack of Law Knowledge

The opening match of the Super Rugby season was a great hit out between the Highlanders and Chiefs. Apart from establishing the All Blacks as World Cup contenders, we saw a great match with plenty of tries, a red card and a game decided in the last 5 minutes (by the players). It took onlyContinue reading “The Commentators Curse – Lack of Law Knowledge”

Pre-season Paining

With rugby season just around the corner, pre season paining training (for us referees) has just begun. Judging by my general lack of fitness, I should have started months ago. Yet with 10 weeks to go until Round 1, not all hope is lost for moderate levels of fitness come season proper. Fitness training, asContinue reading “Pre-season Paining”

When Trying to Help Actually Hurts

Concussion is serious business. The Australian Sports commission says; “There is growing concern in Australia and internationally about the incidence of sport-related concussion and potential health ramifications for athletes.” This concern is not a local issue, but is being tackled head on by organisations around the world. In a balance between trying to avoid liabilityContinue reading “When Trying to Help Actually Hurts”

Allegiance; National or Provincial?

After a disappointing 2018 season at all levels, we see what many have labelled inevitable. The streamlining of rugby between State and national teams. A similar system to the largely successful model New Zealand utilises, in which provincial rugby teams are owned and operated by the national body.

The Cup of Eternal Glory

As a long suffering Wallabies supporter (who started watching after we won the ’91 and ’99 Rugby World cups) I’ve known nothing but sustained mediocrity. We have won a few games here and there. But consistency is nowhere to be seen. We are the new Scotland! However thanks to Scott Johnson, even they look consistentlyContinue reading “The Cup of Eternal Glory”