HarryCallahan
Academy Player
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2015
- Messages
- 2
- Country Flag
Is it me, Have I watched one too many conspiracy movies or, is the culture of professional boxing now coming into the game of International rugby more and more. Is the International game now more about theatre and TV audiences than the game it’s self ?
While watching the game between Eng / Fra sat I got a strong feeling that either the ref decided himself or, someone whispered in the ref’s ear 15-10 mins from time to increase the drama. His tempo and decision making appeared to change and not just in reaction to the game play. All of a sudden he was giving more infringements against France, why ? Coincidence or was he adding to even massaging the drama. The many infringements he could have given during the game up to this point but didn’t (some blatant) suddenly the ref could spot them all. I got a strong sense he was intervening to create more drama / tension to create a climax to the 6 nations. surel not, but if so why? - Could Eng close the gap, yes/ no to create a great end to the 6N etc.
Now granted the ref was Nigel Owens and I sense he does love himself/ sound of his own voice and think that the game is about him and not game play (Sorry Nigel). The ref is such an integral part of the game but, Are they now driven by ratings, guidance from on high that is starting to cross the line; Genuine open question?
I have sensed over the years the game is changing and more becoming more about theatre and manipulation to create a spectacle rather than play the game (you only have to look at the inconsistency of the application of the laws or watch an older game). The game evolves, that’s fine but, is it right when someone is paying as much I now have to pay for a ticket and leaving the game suspicious as to why they feel manipulated; Over the years of watching I have become curious to some of the decision making? On balance, it just could be down to the personalities of the Ref responding to what they see and, no one pulling their strings and, a simple as that. I hope so but jury is out for me.
Interested in others views to put my mind at rest that no one is mugging us apart from the ticket prices ;o)
While watching the game between Eng / Fra sat I got a strong feeling that either the ref decided himself or, someone whispered in the ref’s ear 15-10 mins from time to increase the drama. His tempo and decision making appeared to change and not just in reaction to the game play. All of a sudden he was giving more infringements against France, why ? Coincidence or was he adding to even massaging the drama. The many infringements he could have given during the game up to this point but didn’t (some blatant) suddenly the ref could spot them all. I got a strong sense he was intervening to create more drama / tension to create a climax to the 6 nations. surel not, but if so why? - Could Eng close the gap, yes/ no to create a great end to the 6N etc.
Now granted the ref was Nigel Owens and I sense he does love himself/ sound of his own voice and think that the game is about him and not game play (Sorry Nigel). The ref is such an integral part of the game but, Are they now driven by ratings, guidance from on high that is starting to cross the line; Genuine open question?
I have sensed over the years the game is changing and more becoming more about theatre and manipulation to create a spectacle rather than play the game (you only have to look at the inconsistency of the application of the laws or watch an older game). The game evolves, that’s fine but, is it right when someone is paying as much I now have to pay for a ticket and leaving the game suspicious as to why they feel manipulated; Over the years of watching I have become curious to some of the decision making? On balance, it just could be down to the personalities of the Ref responding to what they see and, no one pulling their strings and, a simple as that. I hope so but jury is out for me.
Interested in others views to put my mind at rest that no one is mugging us apart from the ticket prices ;o)
