Controversies continue

The schools rugby season took a well-deserved break on account of the Vesak holidays. It has helped to cool tempers after the acrimonious game between RC and Pathana a week ago. With video clips of the game being circulated freely, everybody has an opinion on the game.

I am made to understand that Pathana too has supplied video evidence of the game, and the Referees Association will have to take a call on the competency of the said Referee and the two assistant referees.

It is not clear as yet as to what action will be initiated by the SLSRFA with regard to the disciplinary proceeding against the two schools concerned. It is widely believed that the matter may be swept under the carpet and that the show will go on. Thus the showpiece of local schools rugby, the Bradby Shield will go on as scheduled.

In the midst of all these allegations and counter allegations, bidding for the captains for the various teams that will contest the Carlton Sevens took place. The SL national skipper was picked up by the Western Warriors for a whopping Rs. 11 million with the next best being Fazil Marija for Rs. 3 million by the Gladiators, whilst workhorse Shenal Dias was bought by the Eagles for Rs. 2.5 million. The large gap between the first and the rest is a huge Rs. 8 million and I am sure that the various franchises see potential in such bids. Over a period of time these should increase in value although not reach the dizzying heights of the IPL franchise.

In round #15 of the Super Rugby season there were some crucial games played as the final berths in the respective conferences reached a crescendo. The Waratahs finally succumbed to the Rebels and the pure joy and elation on the face of the Rebels skipper Higginbottom was a treat. The win is all the more creditable given that some senior stalwarts such as James O’Connor were sidelined due to injury.

The Reds succumbed to the Stormers and Quade Cooper’s hope of a recall to the Wallabies squad was squashed. After a string of super performances, pundits are of the view that Aaron Cruden is now the premier fly-half in Super Rugby. Thus we may see the last of Dan Carter as an All Black. With so much of talent in the NZ ranks, one is not permitted to have a bad day, as there is enough and more knocking on the door demanding selection.

In terms of having discipline in the game it is heartening to note the action taken by the authorities in Super Rugby. Veteran Radike Samo has been issued an off-field yellow card for a lifting tackle on Louis Schreuder in the Reds’ match against the Stormers. Referee Jaco Peyper did not act upon the incident, but the citing commissioner decided that Samu had contravened Law 10.4 (j) Dangerous Tackling.

Similarly, Bulls winger Bjorn Basson was issued an off-field red card for a lifting tackle on Patrick Lambie, and cited to appear before a disciplinary committee. Further, Bulls lock Flip van der Merwe was given an off-field yellow card for rucking Keegan Daniel during the match.

The local rugby administrators need to take notice of such actions and ensure that the current schools season and the forthcoming club season witnesses improved technology for the betterment of the game. The chances of similar action being taken in sunny SL remains remote, unless a benevolent sponsor steps in with the cash to help finance the technology.

(The writer can be reached via [email protected].)