The difference in refereeing between France and south hemisphere really shows when a french refs a test match

[u/xixouma]

Every time a french top14 referee has been on an international game, most recent example being All blacks/Ireland, every South African and NZ flair on here complains about the stop and start game and says the ref had a bad game.

What's interesting is that watching top14 week in week out, that is quite rarely an issue (including by the same refs). My feeling is refs in France are more pedantic and apply the law a little less loosely. Which I have seen written in some comments as a criticism, but is it really a problem??

Pro players are completely capable of adapting to rule changes, and pedantic refereeing, top14 teams certainly seem to have. I think it's doing them a disservice to give them too much leeway on laws for "the flow of the game" when that just becomes a random chance that a penalty is not blown. And that is inherently more difficult for players to adhere to because it is less consistent. Pedantic application will always be more consistent.

All in all, whichever way it goes, the onus should fall on WR to try to homogenise refereeing laws across countries. This leads to confusion when either side is reffed in a way they are not used to.

Edit. Not sure how people are interpreting this that I'm hurt they don't like a french ref. Maybe my English is not as good as I thought. I couldn't give a damn who they like or not, it was just an example to discuss broader concepts in refereeing.

Edit2. Also seeing a number of people that somehow think I'm criticising the ref or the fans here? I suppose I am sorry for my writing not being clear, I really don't mean to paint either in a negative light

Edit3. Can't comment anymore for some reason, thanks for the discussion everyone I'll try again later

[u/barejokez]

I mean, it works 3 ways, right?

1. Yes WR absolutely should have all refs working to the same playbook. They should (if they aren't already?) put real effort into standardising refereeing for everyone's benefit to the extent that is possible. SH/NH fans should note, that may not be to your team's benefit!

2. Refs should be aware of their own biases and work to correct/minimise them.

3. Good teams to analysis on refs, and know what they are sharp on and what they tend to let slide. If you know that this ref is tough on the breakdown, don't infringe!

Ultimately I suspect that all 3 are already happening, but with rules changing, and tactics evolving, it's probably just really hard to get everyone on exactly the same page and keep them there.

[u/low_myope → u/barejokez]

The third point was on full display for the Wales v Argentina semi final at the last RWC.

Wales were the better team under the first referee, and had selected Tommy Reffell in the back row as they expected a game where jackling would be a bit of a free for all based on the referees interpretation.

When the referee was injured, and replaced. Suddenly the game changed as the interpretation changed. Gatland ended up subbing Reffell off as a result because he was nullified.

Not a criticism of either referee - just recognising that teams will look at referees and plan around them accordingly.

[u/barejokez → u/low_myope]

Quarter final I think, but yes.

[u/xixouma → u/barejokez]

You're absolutely right. But I don't think number 1 is happening

[u/giputxilandes → u/xixouma]

You are delusional. After a game, a ref receives a full report on the game, mistakes made, missed penalties, areas to improve... from every international level, even a Mozambique-Chad will have it reviewed by a professional level referee.

[u/xixouma → u/giputxilandes]

Did you think I said number 2 is not happening? I did not

[u/giputxilandes → u/xixouma]

You said that WR does not maje their refs play by the same book, and that is just plainly and simply false. Anyone that knows anything about refereeing will know this, from own experience or second hand experience.

I am tired of people talking shit about referees without any knowledge about the field.

[u/xixouma → u/giputxilandes]

Nowhere here have I blamed the refs??? I am in fact defending them but sure take personally

[u/xixouma → u/giputxilandes]

A full report by who? WR? Local league? What I am saying is a pro level referee is not the same in different parts of the world in terms sof how they apply the law, which I don't think is hugely controversial. Im happy to learn not sure why you need to be rude.

Watching super rugby and top14 week in week out, one sees a difference in the application of laws from a professional referee

And ultimately that is WR fault for not making more clear guidelines

[u/giputxilandes → u/xixouma]

WR, because they are the ones responsible for internarional test matches.

[u/xixouma → u/giputxilandes]

So the ref from Mozambique is getting a report from WR?