NIGEL Owens must remember that rugby players play to the whistle. This is influenced by the referee’s discussion with the captains prior to the kick-off and how the referee enforces the laws.
The problems with crooked feeds is that the referees just want the ball in and out fast. This encourages a fast-flowing game and reduces the physical aggression between players. Sadly, the crooked feed doesn’t keep the game fair to both sides and reduces hookers to third props.
The answer is to tell the captains before the game that a crooked feed will be penalised. Carry that instruct...