- Aug 8, 2005
- 25,099
- 26,358
If teams stop competing at the breakdown though through fear of quick whistled refs then you could get everyone will use the tactic Italy did against England last year and that won't lead to exciting Rugby either. I mean, Owens style today didn't stop Scotland playing quick and exciting when they chose to.I think it depends what you like, some people like a real contest/battle at the breakdown but I think if teams know they are likely to get whistled off the park for mucking about then they don't tempt it (or, actually more like if they know a ref is laissez-faire then you get more mucking about as per this game) and the ball comes out quicker and you get a faster more flowing game.
I was just speaking about his reffing style in general though, and it didn't impact the game. England have clear issues they need to work on in that aspect.
I personally like a competitive breakdown and if we stop allowing teams to compete then we might as well just make it Rugby League and nobody wants that!