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Topics - Alfie75

Pages: [1] 2
1
Non Footy Appointments / Raynal Retires
« on: Tue 26 Mar 2024 11:33 »
Have to say I am a little bit shocked to see that Mathieu Raynal has decided to retire after the Summer internationals.
Interesting read below:

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/its-very-hard-to-be-100-all-the-time-rugby-world-cup-referee-hangs-up-his-whistle

Always rated Raynal and glad to see he will remain within Rugby working for the FFR.

So, the next group of French referees are very inexperienced at test level and I would suspect they will feature heavily in the next few windows. Pierre Brousett would seemingly be the 1st choice with Tual Trianini & Luc Ramos moving up the ladder.

There is now a real shift with the SH boys of O Keeffe, Williams, Gardner & Berry leading the pack. Luke Pearce is really the only other referee that has similar experience of  potentially attending his 3rd WC in 2027.

Along with the above mentioned, Carley & Dickson, Amashukeli & Brace I would imagine will be on that list meaning that there will be 3 spots opening up for debutants in Australia.


2
Non Footy Appointments / New WR Refereeing structure
« on: Thu 21 Mar 2024 12:40 »
If you missed this - link below:

https://www.world.rugby/news/912176/accelerating-talent-development-increased-investment-and-targeted-support-structures-at-the-heart-of-new-emirates-world-rugby-match-officials-strategy

World Rugby has announced details of a new strategic approach that will transform high-performance match officiating on the global stage. 
With a new global calendar approved, including expanded Rugby World Cups, the structure features new specialist coaches, a new selection and performance management process and a long-term plan to identify and develop global talent. 
Significantly, supporting World Rugby’s purpose of making the game more accessible and relevant, the men’s and women’s elite structures are identical and will operate closely together, promoting the best match officials to the top of the game regardless of gender.
The men’s and women’s selection group will feature independent Chairs, selectors representing the north and south, and the respective World Rugby referee manager. Under Director of Rugby Phil Davies, the match officials management group has been expanded and will now include a Talent Identification Manager, women’s and men’s 15s match official coaches, a women’s pathway manager and emerging nations match official support. 
The strategy, which will be embedded from next month, will operate closely across all major elite club competitions, delivering a consistent approach to match officiating regardless of location through a data-driven scorecard approach performance management. This will drive clarity and consistency across competitions and teams. 

Men’s Emirates World Rugby High Performance Match Officials structure
The management team will continue to be led by Elite Men’s Match Officials Manager Joël Jutge and joined by experienced international match official Brendon Pickerill in a new position of Elite Men’s 15s Match Officials Head Coach (having stepped down from refereeing duties). 
Chaired by World Rugby Executive Board member Brett Robinson, the new selection group comprises independent selectors Dave McHugh (North) and Mitch Chapman (South), along with Jutge, Pickerill and Davies.

Women’s Emirates World Rugby High Performance Match Officials structure
The management team will continue to be led by Elite Women’s Match Officials Manager Alhambra Nievas and joined by experienced international match official Joy Neville in the new position of Elite Women’s 15s Match Officials Head Coach, while a new Women’s Match Officials Pathway Manager role will be filled.   
Chaired by World Rugby Executive Board member Su Carty, the new selection group comprises Andrew Macpherson (North) and Wayne Erickson (interim, South), along with Nievas, Neville and Davies.   
Emirates World Rugby Sevens Match Officials structure

In sevens, Elite Sevens Manager Paddy O’Brien will continue to be supported by High Performance Sevens Coach Craig Joubert. 
Within the management group, former international referee John Lacey has been appointed into the new position of Talent Identification Manager across the men’s and women’s 15s and will work closely with the Women’s Pathway Manager and emerging nations support staff to identify and nurture the best match officiating talent from around the world. All structures will have access to specialist scrum, lineout, performance and mental wellbeing coaches including Alex Corbisiero and Richie Gray.   

Really interesting that Pickerill joins the 15's SMT considering how little refereeing experience he has at International level (Only 10 tests). In effect he's the number 2 to Judge. I'm assuming Stuart Berry will continue in his TMO manager capacity. I'm sure that Tony Spreadbury & Bryce Lawrence will have close contact with the SMT too.
I'm also surprised that Joubert continues on the 7's circuit and not moved into the 15's team.
Apart from Neville & Joubert and to a degree Jutdge - the management team were not the number 1 officials in their respective countries.


3
Non Footy Appointments / TOM FOLEY
« on: Tue 05 Dec 2023 09:08 »
Very sad news that Tom Foley (TMO in the WC Final) has decided to step away from international duties due to the vile abuse he's received since the Final.
More evidence that authorities need to take swift action otherwise decent refs will just walk away!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/67613298

I feel we won't see Tom Foley back for a while (if at all on the international scene).

4
Non Footy Appointments / Wayne Barnes Retires
« on: Thu 02 Nov 2023 15:09 »
As suspected - Wayne has officially retired!
For me, one of the best referees in the modern era by a country mile!!
True legend of the game and wishing Wayne all the very best in his retirement.
Will be sorely missed

https://www.world.rugby/news/891175/record-breaking-referee-wayne-barnes-calls-time-on-stellar-career

5
Lots of games to feast our eyes on over the next few weeks. Although I’ve not seen all the games, I thought I would start a thread for some views of the World Cup officials from the games I have managed to watch (on a side note - we are told that next week the group stage appointments will be announced as all 12 referees will have had at least 1 match in this window):

Games not watched or televised:
Pacific Nations
Fiji v Tonga - Paul Williams
Samoa v Fiji - Angus Gardner
Japan v Samoa - Mathieu Raynal
Japan v Tonga - Matthew Carley

Warm Up Match
Uruguay v Chile - Luke Pearce

Rugby Championship:
South Africa v Australia - Ben O Keeffe
Thought Ben had a great game coming off the back of a whole load of criticism for his handling of the Super Rugby Final (unjustly so IMO).
Great start to the tournament from the Kiwi!!

Argentina v New Zealand - Angus Gardner
A game full of penalties and overall Angus was ok but didn’t convince me with some decisions. However, no major issues, so he would be content with that performance. He should also expect a KO game at least.

New Zealand v South Africa - Mathieu Raynal
Another very polished performance by the Frenchman, in total control and recovered nicely from the backlash he received last summer.

Australia v Argentina - Jaco Peyper
What a game that was!!
Thought Jaco had a solid game with no real issues. I would expect a semi final appointment for the South African

Australia v New Zealand - Wayne Barnes
Even though a one-sided match, Wayne had a very good game indeed - his communication skills are second to none!

South Africa v Argentina - Andrew Brace
This was probably the most discussed game and the Irishman has come in for a fair bit of criticism (mainly by the Boss fans) whilst others defended his call for the whack on Grant Williams.
I think, that had he taken a bit more time, perhaps he would change his mind. I would not have been surprised to see a yellow card being handed out for that.
Quite frankly, the Irishman would not have wanted this so close to the tournament and may affect the appointments for the group stages.

New Zealand v Australia - Karl Dickson
Great game to watch form start to finish!
Overall, I thought Karl Dickson performed well and had no real issues. He stayed calm in probably the biggest appointment of his career to date.
Good sign leading into France.

Argentina v South Africa - Nika Amashukeli
There were soo many penalties in this game that it just wasn’t an enjoyable watch. Overall we had 27 of them which tells you everything
On the positive the young Georgian continues to impress and can only referee what’s in front of him. He was in control, clear in his explanations. Good job!


Pacific Nations:
Fiji v Japan - Matthew Carley
Thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Have to say, I wasn’t a fan of Matt’s performance. Thought he was far too picky and have to say Japan had cause to complain for the Fiji yellow card, whilst they received a red card pretty early on. There were far too many TMO interjections which could/should have been picked up by the officials.

Summer Nations Series:
Scotland v Italy - Ben O Keeffe
I didn’t enjoy Ben’s performance here, really scrappy game and very stop start. I didn’t think he got to grips with the scrums either. Though he was wrong with a few penalties too.
A game and performance to forget.

Scotland v France - Ben O Keeffe
Great win for the Scots, I wouldn’t however read too much into that result as it was a vastly changed French side.
This outing for the Kiwi and I must say (didn’t pick it up initially) why WR appointed him to a Scotland game for 2 weeks in a row which could easily have been avoided.
Having said that, a far more polished performance by Ben and he controlled the game well.
On a side note - thought AR2 Vedovelli was poor today and missed at least 2 blatant calls.
Surely a guy in contention for a quarter final at the very least!

Wales v England - Nic Berry
Not the greatest of games with a number of handling/unforced errors.
The performances under Borthwick quite frankly have been awful - I get they need time, but there is just no improvement with all the talent in the country, I’m at a loss just how poorly they played (particularly in the second half). A real worry if you’re an England fan - have to say Argentina must be favourites to top pool D.
Back to the officiating - Nic Berry performed well and correctly overuled Joy Neville for the 3rd Wales try (which is a concern that the TMO awards a try without checking  properly and then overturns her call).
Again - a re-occurring theme, the scrums were a mess and an area Nic couldn’t get a grip of.

Ireland v Italy - Mathieu Raynal
A better game to watch in the second half, comfortable really for the Irish.
No issues for Raynal with another accomplished performance by France’s number 1 whistleblower.
He will be looking towards at least 1 KO match in his home World Cup and I would expect to see him with a top clash in the group stages.

If they perform to the expected levels and obviously dependant on their countries performance, I would expect to see Barnes, O Keeffe, Peyper & Raynal with at least a KO game (closely followed by Pearce & Gardner).

6
Non Footy Appointments / URC Final 23
« on: Tue 23 May 2023 09:07 »
Huge congratulations to Andrea Piardi on his appointment to this years final. The first Italian to referee a major final I believe.
Big step and test for the 30 year old - He's been a decent performer over the past 18 months or so, I fully expect him to be involved heavily in tournaments leading up to the Australian WC in 27.

Cape Town 27th May 23
DHL Stormers v Munster - URC Final
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
AR's: Mike Adamson (Sco) & Craig Evans (Wal)
TMO's: Ben Whitehouse (Wal) & Joy Neville (Ire)


7
Non Footy Appointments / CHALLENGE CUP R16
« on: Thu 23 Mar 2023 09:19 »
Big games for Murphy & Dickson whilst Peyper remains in town - interesting he gets a match!

Scarlets v Brive: Woodthorpe
Bristol v Claremont: Peyper
Toulon v Cheetahs: Piardi
Stade Francais v Lyon: Murphy
Benetton v Cannacht: Ridley
Lions v Racing: Dickson
Glasgow v Dragons: Trianini
Cardiff v Sale: Ramos

8
Non Footy Appointments / HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP R16
« on: Thu 23 Mar 2023 09:07 »
Nothing out of the ordinary with these appointments. Pearce, Brace & Carley perhaps with the biggest matches. Amashukeli & Raynal both have interesting encounters on paper.
Leicester v Edinburgh: Raynal
Sharks v Munster: Barnes
Stormers v Harlequins: Brousset
Stade Rochelle v Gloucester: Adamson
Leinster v Ulster: Pearce
Exeter v Montpellier: Brace
Toulouse v Bulls: Carley
Saracens v Ospreys: Amashukeli


9
Non Footy Appointments / Rugby Mens Autumn International's
« on: Thu 29 Sep 2022 20:46 »
So, the Autumn tests are due to start at the end of October into November and I thought I would kick the topic off with predictions for the main matches that have been announced so far.
There has been a lot of criticism aimed at the refereeing in the last 2 sets of windows in the summer and in the Rugby Championship with the main issues surrounding consistency in high tackles with the relevant sanction and also the sheer number of penalties being awarded resulting in a stop/start match with some officials coming into fire for wanting to be the centre of attention.
in fact, really only Gardner, Pearce & Amashukeli have not received so much backlash, Barnes, Peyper & Carley had people talking but not to the likes of Adamson, Berry, Doleman, Dickson, Williams, Murphy, Brace, O Keefe (to a degree) & Raynal have in the RC.
Now, whilst I'm not an advocate of the bashing BUT, I can't help feeling that some of the officiating has been mind blowing at times. I would also say WR need to get a grips with some of the laws and no doubt will be spelling out to their elite referees the issues and expectations during the next series.
Appointments will be due out in the next 10 days - and as a result of the problems I have made the predictions keeping officials away from certain nations. I don't see WR changing any plans with the current crop of referees so would expect Adamson, Amashukeli, Dickson Doleman & Murphy to feature in these appointments.
Here goes:

WEEK 1
Saturday 29th October 2022
Japan v New Zealand: Berry
Scotland v Australia: Amashukeli

WEEK 2
Saturday 5th November 2022
Italy v Samoa: Murphy (Aus)
Scotland v Fiji: Gardner
Wales v New Zealand: Pearce
Ireland v South Africa: O Keefe
France v Australia: Barnes

Sunday 6th November 2022
England v Argentina: Brace

WEEK 3
Saturday 12th November 2022
Ireland v Fiji: Amashukeli
Italy v Australia: Doleman
England v Japan: Williams
Wales v Argentina: Carley or Peyper
France v South Africa: Gardner

Sunday 13th November 2022
Barbarians v All Blacks XV: Brousett
Scotland v New Zealand: Dickson

WEEK 4
Saturday 19th November 2022
Italy v South Africa: Pearce
Wales v Georgia: Berry
Scotland v Argentina: Williams
England v New Zealand: Peyper
Ireland v Australia: Carley

Sunday 20th November 2022
France v Japan: Adamson

WEEK 5
Saturday 26th November 2022
Wales v Australia: O Keefe
England v South Africa: Raynal

10
World Rugby have announced the match official appointments for the pool rounds of the Rugby World Cup 21 (played in 22). The delayed tournament kicks off in Auckland on 8 October. New Zealand referee, Maggie Cogger-Orr will blow the much travelled whistle in the opening game at Eden Park as France take on South Africa.

Team favourites;
England’s games will be refereed by Aurélie Groizeleau (Fra), Joy Neville (Ire) and Lauren Jenner (NZ)
New Zealand’s matches will be refereed by Aimee Barrett-Theron (SA), Hollie Davidson (Sco) and Aurélie Groizeleau (Fra)
France’s other two matches will overseen by Joy Neville (Ire) and Amber McLachlan (Aus)

Referee Favourites
The referee appointments for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals will be announced after the pool stage is complete and the qualifying teams are known.

IMHO as Neville IRE previously Perrett  & Corrigan AUS with McDowel IRE in 2006l (so the last 4 finals split between the Aussie's & Irish) were in the middle for the Final!!

As mentioned, for me England are hot favourites followed by NZ and then France, so I think we should certainly discount Sara Cox as England are on fire for the final match.
Neville had it last time round so, I think a SF is probably the furthest she will go (maybe AR on the final).
Judging by the appointments - Big contenders would be Davidson, Barrett-Theron & Jenner
My initial pic would be Barrett-Theron (baring SA reaching the final).
QF's - Cox, Davidson, Barrett Theron & Jenner
SF's - Neville & Cogger-Orr
3rd  - McLachlan or Groizeleau
F -     Barrett Theron or Davidson

Focus on alignment, refinement and consistency
World Rugby Referee Talent Development Manager, and former RWC referee herself, Alhambra Nievas said, “All roads lead to Rugby World Cup 2021 and in our final weeks our focus is on alignment, refinement and consistency. We have an exciting mix of match officials who have worked extremely hard over the last four years to earn their place in the team. With the selection of the pool phase schedule complete, it’s an exciting milestone for match officials to see what games they will officiate, what stadiums they will be in, and brings a new level of focus for the team.”

Pool Stage
South Africa v France
Saturday 8 October – Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr (NZR)
ARs: Sara Cox (RFU) & Kat Roche (USAR)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)

Fiji v England
Saturday 8 October – Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Aurélie Groizeleau (FFR)
ARs: Lauren Jenner (NZR) & Maria Beatrice Benvenuti (FIR)
TMO: Chris Assmus (RC)

Australia v New Zealand
Saturday 8 October – Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU)
ARs: Sara Cox (RFU) & Kat Roche (USAR)
TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)

USA v Italy
Sunday 9 October – Northland Events Centre, Whangārei
Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
ARs: Julianne Zussman (RC) & Tyler Miller (RA)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)

Japan v Canada
Sunday 9 October – Northland Events Centre, Whangārei
Referee: Joy Neville (IRFU)
ARs: Amber McLachlan (RA) & Doriane Domenjo (FFR)
TMO: Lee Jeffrey (NZR)

Wales v Scotland
Sunday 9 October – Northland Events Centre, Whangārei
Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)
ARs: Julianne Zussman (RC) & Tyler Miller (RA)
TMO: Chris Assmus (RC)

Scotland v Australia
Saturday 15 October – Northland Events Centre, Whangārei
Referee: Lauren Jenner (NZR)
ARs: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU) & Kat Roche (USAR)
TMO: Lee Jeffrey (NZR)

USA v Japan
Saturday 15 October – Northland Events Centre, Whangārei
Referee: Amber McLachlan (RA)
ARs: Maggie Cogger-Orr (RA) & Maria Beatrice Benvenuti (FIR)
TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)

France v England
Saturday 15 October – Northland Events Centre, Whangārei
Referee: Joy Neville (IRFU)
ARs: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU) & Kat Roche (USAR)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)

Italy v Canada
Sunday 16 October – Waitakere Stadium, Auckland
Referee: Sara Cox (RFU)
ARs: Aurélie Groizeleau (FFR) & Doriane Domenjo (FFR)
TMO: Lee Jeffrey (NZR)

Wales v New Zealand
Sunday 16 October – Waitakere Stadium, Auckland
Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
ARs: Julianne Zussman (RC) & Tyler Miller (RA)
TMO: Chris Assmus (RC)

Fiji v South Africa
Sunday 16 October – Waitakere Stadium, Auckland
Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)
ARs: Aurélie Groizeleau (FFR) & Doriane Domenjo (FFR)
TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)

Australia v Wales
Saturday 22 October – Northland Events Centre, Whangārei
Referee: Sara Cox (RFU)
ARs: Julianne Zussman (RC) & Maria Beatrice Benvenuti (FIR)
TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)

New Zealand v Scotland
Saturday 22 October – Northland Events Centre, Whangārei
Referee: Aurélie Groizeleau (FFR)
ARs: Clara Munarini (FIR) & Kat Roche (USAR)
TMO: Chris Assmus (RC)

France v Fiji
Saturday 22 October – Northland Events Centre, Whangārei
Referee: Amber McLachlan (RA)
ARs: Julianne Zussman (RC) & Maria Beatrice Benvenuti (FIR)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)

Japan v Italy
Sunday 23 October – Waitakere Stadium, Auckland
Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr (NZR)
ARs: Hollie Davidson (SRU) & Tyler Miller (RA)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)

Canada v USA
Sunday 23 October – Waitakere Stadium, Auckland
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU)
ARs: Joy Neville (IRFU) & Doriane Domenjo (FFR)
TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)

England v South Africa
Sunday 23 October – Waitakere Stadium, Auckland
Referee: Lauren Jenner (NZR)
ARs: Hollie Davidson (SRU) & Tyler Miller (RA)
TMO: Lee Jeffrey (NZR)


11
Non Footy Appointments / Andrew Cole RIP
« on: Mon 11 Jul 2022 12:41 »
For those who remember, Andrew Cole was a very good (under rated referee) who sadly passed away not long after retiring from Rugby referee management in Australia.

Condolences to his family at this time!

12
Non Footy Appointments / European Rugby Finals 2022
« on: Wed 18 May 2022 11:23 »
Appointments are out!
Champions Cup Final: Leinster v Stade Rochelais
28th May 2022
Referee: Wayne Barnes
AR's: Matthew Carley & Christophe Ridley
TMO: Tom Foley

Challenge Cup Final: Lyon v Toulon
27th May 2022
Referee: Luke Pearce
AR's: Andrew Brace & Frank Murphy
TMO: Ian Tempest

Congrats to all involved and without any English involvement, I think that the appointments for English officials were pretty much guaranteed.
One interesting observation is that Karl Dickson is the only one of the 4 semi-final refs not appointed as an AR in either final!!

Having watched highlights of the semi's tbh I thought Brace was poor at times and some strange decisions across the other 3 semi's.

13
Non Footy Appointments / Poite to join Toulon
« on: Tue 19 Apr 2022 09:23 »
Been confirmed in the French press that Romain Poite will join Toulon next season to improve their discipline.
IMHO a fantastic ref who has been a great servant to the sport and will be sorely missed. He follows Ruiz who also moved over to join a club side last year.
Thank you Romain!!


14
Non Footy Appointments / EPCR Challenge Cup R5
« on: Mon 28 Mar 2022 17:30 »
Brive v Saracens - Adamson
Edinburgh v Paloise - Cox
Benetton v USAP - Leale
Dragons v Gloucester - Trainini
Biaritz v Toulon - Piardi
Newcastle v Zebre - Cayre
Great appointment for Sara Cox!!
Big game for Piardi - well done to him too!
Adam Leale seems to be the next guy in-line for big things

15
Non Footy Appointments / 6 NAIONS 2022 REVIEW
« on: Sun 20 Mar 2022 11:50 »
So, I thought I would start a new post on ranking the officials and give my thoughts on the tournament.
I have to say, first off, the event started slowly and really did turn into one of the most enthralling events mainly due to how closely matched the teams were. Ending with the incredible Italian victory over the Welsh!! Ultimately the best team won and I have to say I'm really pleased for the French especially leading up to their home WC, if they continue the way they have during this tournament, they will be a real force to be reckoned with!
Back to the officials. Overall, WR will be pleased with how the officiating was. I can't really think of any absolute howlers from anyone. There is certainly room to work on, but Joel Jutge will be quietly impressed with the standard. COVID also had a part to play and I am convinced that's why the appointments came out so late with some adjustments to the original planned set. I'm also convinced (without being 100% sure, and with no inside information) that each potential 2023 referee that is being considered would have received 1 match. With that in mind, Paul Williams in particular would certainly have been involved in the first two weeks (possibly the opener). I would have also thought that Brendan Pickerill would also received a match (taking one of Mike Adamson's games possibly). It is also clear that Craig Evans wasn't in the frame for a match at this stage.
Ranking the officials was based obviously on overall performance and my views and limited knowledge of the laws of the game. I would also say that it is based on the level of difficulty of the match. With absolutely no disrespect to anyone or team (and purely my opinion) there were 3 level of difficulties. I think it's fair to say that the intensity of a France/England game v a Scotland/Italy match would be clear to see.
So, the games in band 1 would be:
Ire v Wal (The opener)
Fra v Ire
Eng v Wal
Eng v Ire
Wal v Fra
Fra v Eng
band 2:
Sco v Eng
Wal v Sco
Sco v Fra
Ire v Sco
band 3:
Fra v Ita
Ita v Eng
Ire v Ita
Ita v Sco
Wal v Ita
Just using a plain out of 10 ranking system - My list as follows with a few comments by each (if needed)

1. Angus Gardner: Thought he was excellent in a potentially explosive fixture and gets top spot purely for the level of difficulty.
J2. Wayne Barnes & Ben O Keefe: Both were clear and concise -controlled the game well with huge respect from players.
4. Matt Carley: Needed a big test and came through for me really well. He gets this slot because of the level of difficulty of the match.
5. Jaco Peyper: Now, possibly controversial, BUT there is no denying that he was appointed to the first and last match of the tournament. This shows how much faith WR have in him! So, 2 huge matches and I actually think that he did well in the opener and fine in the last match and only drops a slot because I felt the Fra/Eng match I marked him lower so the combined average was half a point off Carley.
6. Karl Dickson: You may all gasp with this placement: Absolutely the right game to put him in charge of and he came through it well. The reason he's above Pearce and Brace is purely down to the difficulty of the match.
7. Luke Pearce:Luke was very good in his match, just the level of difficulty moves him down the list for me.
8. Andy Brace: This performance shows why he will be in the middle come France 2023.
9. Nic Berry: I thought Nic did ok in this match with a few decisions that I wasn't sure about tbh. I think he's still recovering from his battering by South Africa management team.
10. Matthieu Raynal: Look, at the end of the day he got the big decision right with the send off. I just didn't agree with a number of his penalty decisions at the scrum, regardless - I think with those calls he should have carded an Irish player. Not a horror show, but for me not his greatest game in the middle.
11. Nika Amashukeli: Overall, he did ok. I would say that the send off was a bit of a mess and he looked unsure (needed help from Carley). He will only get better and better IMHO. I just don't know if he's ready for France in the middle yet - time will tell!
12. Damon Murphy: Did ok but he needs to gain more experience and I feel he's not ready for the big stage from this showing.
13. Mike Adamson: With 2 games, I thought he was OK. Had a bterre game in France/Ita than in Eng/Wal. I just have no confidence in his consistent decision making and he relies heavily on his TMO.
I know WR are really pushing him. I just don't see what they see in him and would be worried if he got any big games in France 2023. I think he will go to the WC but needs to be managed and appointed very carefully.
Again, a bit of a long post. As I said at the top, a wonderful tournament with lots of positives from a refereeing point of view. No one had an absolute stinker and there will be very little talk of the officiating in this tournament which suggests that WR got the appointments right.
Roll on the next set!! 

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