News

Ref inconsistencies ignite PDV

Tuesday 18th November 2008

Breakdown blues: SA and Scotland struggle to get to grips with the ref's rulings on the deck

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has expressed his concern what he views as refereeing inconsistencies at the breakdown following the Springboks' close shave with Scotland over the weekend.

A whopping total of 21 penalties were coughed up between the two sides at Murrayfield last Saturday, and both teams believed English referee Dave Pearson's interpretations varied.

"The big problem I have is how things are interpreted at the breakdowns. I don't understand the breakdowns," a fed-up De Villiers told a media gathering.

"There were three occasions where we controlled the play close to the goal-line and were penalised because our players did not stay on their feet.

"The fact that they did not stay on their feet did not influence play."

The Springbok coach believes that his players are being disadvantaged because they are not being allowed to "clean-up" at the rucks.

"They are taking away all our sharpness and power," said De Villiers.

"Rolling mauls have been taken away and hard play at the breakdowns is no longer allowed.

"We can't use our power play. It has directly influenced our results."

De Villiers also says that he is worried that coaches are not being listened to.

"You send them (the International Rugby Board) reports after games, but then you receive a response saying that it was the best performance yet by a referee," he said.

"It is very frustrating. If they can be honest and admit there are areas in which they are struggling and we should accept that, you can at least work with the referees.

"When you run on the field there is a different interpretation. That makes it difficult for us.

"The days you knew you would be stamped on for lying on the wrong side of the ruck are over. Now everybody just lies where they want to.

De Villiers conceded that the way the game is going is partly due to the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs).

"My big concern is that the new laws give the defending team an advantage," he said.

Meanwhile the Springbok management has decided to delay the announcement of the team for Saturday's Test against England to allow sufficient time to assess the injury situation within the squad and confirm the availability of players.

The team announcement will therefore take place on Thursday.