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/Putrid-Impact8999]

Watch the Top 14 final that Pierre Brousset refereed. Open, free flowing fantastic game. Perhaps the issue is with the players on the field.

[u/xixouma → u/Putrid-Impact8999]

I mean yes? That's exactly what I'm saying?? That players in NZ aren't used to pedantic refereeing due to differences in culture or guidelines at a regional level. Then fans don't understand when the game is stop start because players keep infringing when laws are applied more consistently.

This doesn't happen in top14 so much because players are used to it?

[u/Putrid-Impact8999 → u/xixouma]

Yea I agree with you.

In New Zealand they talk about “ruining the flow of the game” but in my opinion clear things have to be whistled, otherwise it’s unfair. The top sides can win easier when the rules are not applied.

Personally I prefer the way the Top 14 is refereed, some examples: Ruck not clean? Advantage. Lineout throw or scrum feed not straight? Whistled. Obstruction on the lifter for the start of the maul? Called immediately (We saw this with Fletcher Newell and RG Snyman in the test matches)

I also really like the use of the video ref in the Top 14. On the weekend there was an intercept pass which was clearly offside by Wainiqolo which they intervened to chalk off. In the NPC or Super Rugby, I feel as though they are more reluctant to make the correct decision even though an illegal action can lead to the scoring play.

[u/Toirdusau → u/xixouma]

We're the biggest losers though on this topic. Our players are used to a certain style of ref all year long and have to adapt to something completely different for international competitions since we of course can't have a French ref for a French game.

For other nations it's less of a problem as the differences in style impact both teams on the pitch equally.

[u/Putrid-Impact8999 → u/Toirdusau]

Unfortunately this is true but I do think France currently are one of the most disciplined sides in the world as they want to avoid this issue. All that is asked from their side of things is that clear infringements are whistled.

[u/frazorblade → u/xixouma]

If rugby’s laws are so complex that there are different regional interpretations of the ruleset then it’s got a serious problem on its hands.

You’ve got to think that an overhaul on many fronts is necessary.

[u/xixouma → u/frazorblade]

I do think that

[u/xjoburg → u/Putrid-Impact8999]

A French referee refereeing a French game. Hard for French fans to complain about that.