World Rugby has to ask itself some tough questions - Schalk Brits
FILE. Former South Africa hooker Schalk Brits criticised World Rugby’s harsh penalties for head contact in tackles, arguing that the focus on safety should consider player intent to improve the quality of the game. Picture credit: Michael Sherman
Image: Michael Sherman
As the yellow cards flew thick and fast, this time not solely directed at the Springboks, it was a strange Test match against Ireland in Dublin over the weekend, and former South Africa hooker Schalk Brits has taken a hard stance against World Rugby.
The Springboks won 24-13, as Ireland received four yellow cards, and a 20-minute red, while the visitors were dealt a yellow. It stems from the fact that the World Rugby laws say any head contact in a tackle is punished harshly, without mentioning intent.
It means that sides can be controversially and harshly penalised for tackles that lack any kind of malice.
For example, Lood de Jager (France) and Franco Mostert (Italy) were sent off in consecutive weeks during the Springboks tour, which brought yet more controversy.
Brits Discusses Referee Challenges and Game Quality in Rugby
"To be fair to the refs, I'm not privy to the internal information, but I think they're getting pushed by a narrative or a specific way they have to ref it. So, I feel sorry for their perspective as well,” Brits told CoinCasino.com.
"But World Rugby needs to go in and ask: is the game a better product than a year or two ago?”
Like pundits like former Springbok flyhalf Naas Botha insisted, it’s all about intent, and Brits echoed that sentiment.
"Yes, we need to focus on safety, but for me, intent is a big thing. If you're actually trying to take the head off the opposition, yes, there's intent. If it's by accident, or a player not dipping, then maybe it's a yellow card.
"I personally feel - and I guess I sound like one of the "old has-beens" who always has a problem with the game - that while there is great rugby being played, that particular part doesn't sit well with me. The product suffers because of it."