I just asked Ian Smith on twitter about the Catalans 4th try (seeing as it was immediately clear from the replay that the Catalans marker who first grabbed Martin wasn't standing square) and I was surprised to learn that the only way that element would be considered is if the on field ref asked for it to be. This to me is a real flaw in the system, because the on field ref has dozens of things to consider at any given moment and can be forgiven for missing something like that, but when it's put right in front of you that the first defender in the tackle has gained an advantage by breaking the rules it seems crazy that the video ref can't deny it on those grounds.
Not that any of that detracts from the lunacy of what Martin did, just personally I'd like to see that changed, similarly when teams are defending and intercept a pass or a kick and go full length - the first thing that should be checked is if they were onside or not. I don't understand why they're not.
Finally, while I'm on a rant about the rules, something needs to be done about 6 again on the first tackle (or when in your own 20), because the 6 again we got just before Martin's brain fart didn't help us at all, but delaying the restart put the Catalans defence in a position where they could do what they did. I'm all for speeding the game up, but an extra tackle is neither a fitting reward or punishment for the infraction.
Still, delighted with that second half, so overall happy!
The six again call on the Martin clangor was daft. It allowed Catalans to set their line and fly up and to smash into Martin. The six again call was effectively a better call for Catalans to give them momentum and advantage.
Joined: Aug 02 2002 Posts: 7305 Location: Wakefield but near to Leeds!
Maybe a sin binning if a team causes 3 six again offences as it could/should be deemed a professional foul. And if a six again is called in the same play e.g second time it should be a penalty instead of 6 again.
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