England suspended two coaches from the upcoming match against Scotland in the Rugby World Cup because they switched the ball during kicks against Romania.
The move by the Rugby Football Union avoided sanctions by World Cup organizers, but they warned any similar rule breaches would result in stiffer punishment.
According to the RFU, kicking coach Dave Alred and national fitness coach Paul Stridgeon "mistakenly thought that there was an issue with some of the match balls" in England's Pool C win over Romania.
England stopped switching the balls when warned during the game. After the 67-3 win, England coach Martin Johnson said he had not been aware of the problem. He later said his coaches did not ask the referee before making the switches.
Bother and blast! England has been quick to get its own disciplinary action in, before the IRB heavies come calling. They've been caught fair and square giving Jonny Wilkinson an unfair advantage.
So the boys from Blighty have been busted for going beyond the pale. We can't help but wonder whether a certain campaign manager will be seeking their expertise.
4 comments:
What gets me is that the Samoan winger Tuilangi gets a 10K fine for wearing an unapproved mouthgard.
There is a degree of bull dust associated with the IRB that never ceases to amaze.
I very much doubt you'd have heard anything from the England management about Richie's play full stop.
Mark Reason is not part of the England team setup, Inv.
Bugger, meant to add:
It's a bit of a nonsense rule anyway, there are 8 match balls, as long as one of those is used for the kick, who really cares?
I don't see that it's any different than having ballboys with towels to dry the ball for the hooker before a line out and we're all used to seeing tennis players reject one of three balls before serving...
Where are you, Mark Reason. We are waiting - but I dont think I'll hold my breath.
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