Southland v Waikato
-
Was at the game.
Stags defense was non-existent for first 20mins - Mooloos made meters at will- but very happy to see the Stags show some fortitude and get back in the game.
-
Refereeing was certainly interesting, particuarly as the game wore on.
There was one five or so minute period where the Southland scrumhalf blatantly knocked the ball on at the back of the scrum but the ref said it went backwards, then when Waikato made a run up the field but seemingly lost the ball backwards, the ref said it went forwards.
When Southland had a penalty advantage not long after, they attempted two cross-field kicks before the ref brought it back for the penalty. Moments later, Waikato had an advantage and grubbered the ball forwards and the ref said 'if you kick the ball, you lose the advantage'.
I think referees have a very hard time with the sheer number of laws to officiate, but inconsistent decision-making like that is very questionable regardless.
-
@Mattasaurus said in Southland v Waikato:
Was at the game.
Stags defense was non-existent for first 20mins - Mooloos made meters at will- but very happy to see the Stags show some fortitude and get back in the game.
Yeah there was a lot of slow motion repositioning by the Stags defensive line. Looked terrible on the TV, must’ve looked even more so live.
They did get their act together though. I do like the Southland midfield. Got a bit of punch to it.
-
@Mr-Fish There were definitely some strange decisions by the ref. The penalty against Tucker was harsh because he tried to roll away but the Southland player (Mitchell?) with the ball on the ground clearly had wrapped his other arm around Tucker to make it impossible to do so.