Good analysis Bobbo. I agree though about the 9s putting the ball straight into the second row. I've noticed how that never gets called but I assume that it's because the ref is always on the opposite side of the scrum from the put in. A dedicated ref would help for that - or even a linesman. But they also never call the steeply angled throws at the line outs either. It would be great to see that sort of thing tidied up.
It never gets called because the refs are briefed to allow it in order to make top flight rugby more flowing and therefore more appealing to spectators. This is something that has backfired the players know that they can get away with it and will therefore take advantage of it. The ref can see it every time they have effectively been told not to enforce that rule.
It never gets called because the refs are briefed to allow it in order to make top flight rugby more flowing and therefore more appealing to spectators. This is something that has backfired the players know that they can get away with it and will therefore take advantage of it. The ref can see it every time they have effectively been told not to enforce that rule.