Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Friday, 15 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
They will be up against last year’s league champions Havies and a 6:30 p.m. kick off at Havelock Park under floodlights would mean that the crowds will be able to make it with ease and comfort and enjoy the club hospitality thereafter. It is difficult the gauge the strength of each of the teams at this stage and once we have witnessed a few games the rest will fall in place.
The other key games will be Navy vs Air Force, Lions vs CR, Kandy vs CH and Army vs Police. Once again the SLRFU has permitted four expatriate players to be registered per side with a maximum of two to take to the field at any given time. It is believed that certain clubs have up to six players and whether that will be permitted is the question that is being widely asked.
The clubs have spent vast sums of money in sourcing such players, with the cost of local players too rising in the bargain. There already appears to be incidents of players pole vaulting from one team to another based on lucrative cash offers. Whilst this is bound to happen with the introduction of cash into the sport, there must be a fixed set of rules that apply to such transfers. I am sure that the SLRFU will tighten up on the existing laws to ensure that no club ends up being short-changed.
Rugby officials
In the quest for better rugby all round, the quality of those entrusted with the whistle must also change. Frequent upgrading of the skills must be undertaken and more sponsors have to be sought to ensure that basic levels of technology are in place with the introduction of the TMO.
As an initial step, as I have said on many occasions, the two assistant referees and the main referee must be able to communicate and the use of technology is a must. We must also ensure that no form of hooliganism is permitted and the officials are permitted to discharge their duties in an unbiased manner. If so, the games will be enjoyable to all and the sponsors who are pumping in money will get a return on their investment.
Overseas rugby
On the overseas rugby calendar, the England/All Blacks game will be my pick of the week followed by the Wallabies vs Ireland and the Scotland/Boks game.
England has been gradually building up their morale with wins against the Wallabies and the Pumas. Beating the All Blacks is a different kettle of fish and the All Blacks will be aware of their slip up last year towards the fag end of the season.
The Wallabies raked up 50 points in the last game and the test will be for them to win back to back games. The Boks are in great form at present and their sheer physicality at breakdown point is something that the Scots will have to overcome, if they are to make a match of this game.
(The writer can be reached via [email protected].)
