Neutral Refs Please - It's Just Awkward

[Scubby]

This is not a dig at Thaler he is an outstanding ref. But there were a few contentious calls tonight and whether they were right or wrong (they were probably okay) it just feels wrong. On top of that we then have an English video ref. He had a tough call for the obstruction and again it didn't feel right hearing an English accent deciding if it was a try at a really crucial moment.

 

Please, we have an Australian ref here what are we messing about at? I don't like it and it doesn't happen in other sports. Why do we over complicate things?

 

[MrPosh]

You are quite right.

 

Thaler was exceptional, for what it's worth, and the penalty count was down to the Kiwi's indiscipline - or possibly England's discipline, because seven penalties isn't a lot - but it should always be neutral refs.

[Cumbrian Fanatic]

I agree with you

 

Think it said on the BBC that its an Aussie ref next week

[BBR]

Should be aussie ref and video ref. Unless thierry albert is free

[gingerjon]

Should have been a neutral.  I *think* the outcome of the key calls would have been the same but it should be a neutral every time.

[Padge]

I would prefer neutral refs, unfortunately Aussie refs are never neutral.

[Dave T]

Id rather we take tge moral high ground and always vote for neutrals, even if the others vote the other way.

We should never vote for English refs for England game.

[gingerjon]

I would prefer neutral refs, unfortunately Aussie refs are never neutral.

 

France has referees.

[wackojacko]

We should definitely have neutral refs, my football mates thought it was a bit of a joke. We should also try to train some refs from outside the Big 3. World Cup Qualifiers would surely be an opportunity...

[craig hamilton]

Yes, yes and yes to this

[jannerboyuk]

Agree 100% and I think investing in developing welsh and French etc refs is a small but critical part of building a deeper sense of credibility for the international game.

[Maximus Decimus]

It's ridiculous that we don't.

 

I personally think English refs are not biased at all and often go the other way; I don't think Ganson would have sent an Aussie off after 12 seconds. Thaler had a good game and the obstruction was the correct call. 

 

However, just do away with the argument about whether they are biased or aren't biased and have neutral referees. 

[Saintslass]

I think we should always have neutral refs for internationals but since Thaler was the ref today I thought it was nice that an English ref didn't suck up to the antipodeans like Silverwood seemed to when he was flavour of the season.

[Padge]

It's ridiculous that we don't.

 

I personally think English refs are not biased at all and often go the other way; I don't think Ganson would have sent an Aussie off after 12 seconds. Thaler had a good game and the obstruction was the correct call. 

 

However, just do away with the argument about whether they are biased or aren't biased and have neutral referees. 

The obstruction wasn't Thalers decision.

[jannerboyuk]

Who was tmo?

[Maximus Decimus]

The obstruction wasn't Thalers decision.

 

Did I say it was?

 

What nationality was the Video Ref?

[Maximus Decimus]

Who was tmo?

 

The Video Ref was Chris Kendall I think. A new full time referee. 

[Scubby]

The Video Ref was Chris Kendall I think. A new full time referee. 

 

It sounded very much like Richard Silverwood

[Padge]

Did I say it was?

 

What nationality was the Video Ref?

 

Not relevant

 

There was 2

[Just Browny]

I actually thought Thaler let NZ get away with an extraordinary slow ptb in the first half, which improved in the second. He didn't have a bad game, but the OP is clearly absolutely right. It should be a neutral referee, there is simply no justification for giving it to a UK ref.

[JonM]

The only decision that IMO was clearly wrong was the England penalty when NZ were in possession, for not standing up to play the ball. Justice was done when Hardaker knocked on straight after. I thought NZ's two interceptions on the fifth tackle (the first one clearly a try-saver) both came from players who were yards offside when the ball was played. Be interesting to watch the video and see if that was indeed the case.

 

Even so, we clearly got a few 50/50 calls and would be unhappy if the boot was on the other foot. Again, credit to Stephen Kearney, who was his usual sporting, diplomatic self and didn't mention the referee at all.

 

Clearly, test matches should have neutral referees, which should mean French & Australian officials for this series.

[Just Browny]

The only decision that IMO was clearly wrong was the England penalty when NZ were in possession, for not standing up to play the ball.

I thought that decision was fine - it was actually that rarest of beasts, a penalty for a voluntary tackle. Nightingale is already playing the ball by the time Thaler calls held, in order to get an advantage.

[Futtocks]

I would like neutral referees for all international matches, Unfortunately, Australian referees are rarely neutral.

 

Thaler did a good job overall.

[mt smart]

Plenty of complaints about Thalers performance on the Kiwi forums.

To be fair, rule interpretation is slightly different in terms of what gets emphasiswd in each comp.

Sutton will take some adjusting to by the English.

From a fan POV its all subjective and seen in the light of victory or loss, most Refs are good when your team wins.

I thought the Ref made some errors which is just how it goes.

Otherwise I thought he was OK overall.

[Bearman]

Sutton will not be impartial.

Thaler did a good job, he is our best referee by a country mile.