Rugby Referee Analysis: Six Cards, Two Bad Teams, One Bizarre Match | England vs Wales 2023

Many tuned in expecting a tantalizing prelude to the World Cup, but were instead served a dish of disjointed plays, frustration, and a level of unpredictability not in the thrilling sense, but more akin to a sense of foreboding. At the heart of this fiasco wasn’t the passion of the players or the strategies of the coaches, but the very laws that are meant to protect and uphold the sanctity of the sport. It’s important to clarify that the referee, Nika Amashukeli, alongside his team, was simply doing his job. His judgements, influenced by the parameters set by the laws, led to a match with six cards - a scenario unimaginable even a decade ago. But do we blame him? Or do we need to cast our gaze towards the bigger picture and the governing body, World Rugby? World Rugby has, over recent years, enacted multiple law changes under the guise of player safety and enhancing viewer experience. Yet, the England vs Wales match stands testament to a system that seems more interested in making the referee’s whistle the star of the show, rather than the players themselves. The sheer number of interruptions not only disrupted the flow of the game but also made it painfully unwatchable at times. Is this the future of rugby we’ve all been waiting for? A seasoned viewer would remember the days when rugby was as much about brute strength as it was about strategic finesse. When games were gritty, intense, and every play was unpredictable. Today, however, the unpredictability stems from pondering over which innocuous tackle or ruck might lead to the next card. As seen in the incident with Freddie Steward, which mirrored an earlier situation in a South Africa vs Argentina game, the application of the laws seems inconsistent at best and biased at worst. To add to the dismay, Owen Farrell, England’s captain, was shown a red card, placing his World Cup campaign in jeopardy. While the protection of players is paramount and head-high tackles should indeed be penalized, the spate of cards shown in this match raises the question: Are the current laws enhancing player safety or merely sanitizing the very essence of the game? It’s high time World Rugby reevaluates its stance. By stubbornly adhering to laws that detract from the spirit of the sport, they risk alienating a global fanbase. This isn’t a plea for unchecked aggression or a return to the unchecked brutish ways of the past, but a call for balance. Rugby’s beauty lies in its physicality blended with strategy, respect, and discipline. The laws should protect players but also respect the rich heritage of the game. England’s win against Wales could have been a memorable battle, akin to the epic duels we’ve witnessed in the past. Instead, the narrative was hijacked by the frequent blare of the referee’s whistle, punctuating what should have been an elegant dance of athleticism with staccato interruptions. World Rugby needs to ask itself – is this the legacy they envision for the sport? In conclusion, the England vs Wales match at Twickenham is a dire warning – a manifestation of laws gone awry. As custodians of this great sport, it’s World Rugby’s duty to listen, reflect, and act. It’s not about moving backward, but moving forward with wisdom, ensuring that rugby remains the game loved by millions around the world. The ball is in their court. Will they play wisely? Lastly, I would also like to thank VHA Accounting Solutions for their partnership during this 2023 Rugby Championship. This video was sponsored by them. We look forward to a great partnership during this Rugby Championship For this Video I used CoachPaint from TRACAB, they’re the best in the industry with regards to telestration software: For a 14-day Trial you can use this link: Check them out on: LinkedIn: Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: #CoachPaint #Tracab