More on the laws' 'Big Four'

Connoisseurs of the game should not be disheartened by the many penalties awarded in the first round of the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup competition presented by Steinhoff International - according to SA Rugby referees' boss, André Watson.

"It is true that the penalty count on Monday (February 1) was substantially higher than in the corresponding games in 2009, but that was only because referees were told to be most severe on what we call 'Big Four' transgressions," commented André Watson on varsitycup.co.za.

"Before I discuss the 'Big Four' in detail, I have to first point out other, more noteworthy statistics from the first four Varsity Cup matches of the season. Despite the many penalties, more tries were scored and less possession kicked away than in the first round matches of the 2009 competition," he added.

"This tells me the many penalties were beneficial to traditional student rugby, instead of slowing the game as would be a reasonable assumption if you have 30 penalties awarded in 80 minutes of rugby.

"True, with every penalty there is a stoppage, but it also creates the opportunity to restart the game with, for instance, a quick tap," concluded the 1999 and 2003 RWC Final referee.

The 'Big Four' will be under the spotlight again in the second round when teams will have to be at their best:
- At the tackle situation where the tackler must release the tackled player immediately and move away in the same instance;
- In the scrums where the emphasis will be on a fair contest;
- In the lineouts where obstruction in especially ruck/maul situations will not be tolerated;
- In getting onside as quickly as possible if you're the player in front of a team mate's kick.

By Morris Gilbert