Killing the ball

One questionable tactic seen periodically is the killing of quality ball after a line break or close to the goal line. Referees often – but not always – pick up the infringement, but fail to recognise that it is cynical and often designed not to concede the try.

I remember a few years ago when England toured New Zealand, Marland Yarde was correctly shown a yellow card after an indiscretion post-tackle. However, a few seconds earlier, New Zealand should have been penalised on their line after Malakai Fekitoa held on to Freddie Burns a metre from his own try line (pictured). He should have been sent to the sin-bin but they dodged the bullet. Instead of England having a numerical advantage and a penalty five metres from the try line, they ended up with 14 on the field and the game was as good as gone.

For the outcome of the series to be a reflection of what happened on the field, there can be no more important aspect than the correct upgrading of sanction when needed. This is vital to maintain not only the desired shape of the game, but its very integrity.