Sixteen not sweet for Reds

[travelling_gerry]

Phil Lutton, Brisbane Times | April 3, 2008


Queensland Reds coach Phil Mooney been left fuming by SANZAR's handling of its claim the Sharks fielded an extra man in last weekend's Super 14 clash in Durban.

And Mooney has highlighted another embarrassing gaffe by rugby officials, revealing this week's opponent the Cheetahs fielded a 16th man in their round two fixture against the Western Force in Bloemfontein.

Speaking from South Africa, Mooney said Reds staff uncovered the extra man during routine video analysis and questioned whether rugby officials had "turned a blind eye" to similar matters.

"Just doing our reviews of the Cheetahs, when the Cheetahs played the Force they had 16 men on the field for a short period of time as well," Mooney said.

"So whether it's something they turn a blind eye to, I don't know."

The Reds have sent a comprehensive report to SANZAR over the Durban incident, which alleges replacement Craig Burden entered the field of play in the 68th minute of the Sharks' 22-10 win.

Burden made two key tackles during his two minutes 10 seconds on the field - including a crucial hit on a surging Chris Latham.

The Reds are hopeful they receive a bonus point because backrower Burden's tackle on Latham stopped a potential Reds try which would have at least cut the deficit to under seven points.

Sanzar met via a phone hook-up yesterday afternoon but an ARU spokesman said a report was yet to be finalised.

That was little consolation for Mooney, who questioned how seriously the governing body was treating the matter given they had failed to acknowledge receipt of the Reds' report.

"We're disappointed we haven't heard back from Sanzar, at the very least acknowledging receipt of our submission," Mooney said.

"The game was designed to be 15 on 15 and we would just like to hear that the matter (a) is being looked at and (b) is being handled. It would be nice to at least have acknowledgment that it's being looked at."

England was fined more than $20,000 for having a 16th man at the 2003 World Cup in a game against Samoa, when Dan Luger was on the field for just six seconds.

Mooney also questioned the laws surrounding teams fielding an extra player. He was informed by match referees that if the Sharks had scored a try with 16 men on the field, it would have stood and Queensland would have been compensated with a halfway penalty from the re-start.

"The referee said to us that if the Sharks had scored against us with 16 men, the try would have stood. That would have been outstanding, wouldn't it?" Mooney said.


http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/s...851051300.html

[jargan83]

Have the saffers found a new way to cheat? If all thats going to happen is a penalty being awarded, whats to stop teams sneaking a 16th man on in a tight finish??

[GIGS20]

Nah mate, the Cheetahs game was a totally different situation. The departing player was slow leaving the field, the lineout was thrown, the ref blew it while the ball was in the air....there was nothing wrong with the officials in that case, during Set piece substitutions, the player is always allowed on ASAP to speed up the game.....The Ref probably didn't blow time off, because that usually only happens if somethings taking too long!

[jargan83]

That comment was more of continuation of the thoughts from a few of us in another thread.

i think it raises some valid questions though. If all that will happen is the offending side gives away a penalty

[GIGS20]

Well....all conjecture aside, there are some significant hurdles to overcome with the procedure to get them on. A player subbing onto the field is managed by an official at the sideline who is meant to manage the transfer, so stuffing with a sub or a blood bin would be difficult. Possibly getting your bench to warm up behind the in-goal and running one of them on the field after the ball has run dead! That's about the only tactic I can think of, You'd then need to mill around in a big group before kicking the dropout so the Ref couldn't count you properly!

[beige]

You'd then need to mill around in a big group before kicking the dropout so the Ref couldn't count you properly!

[Stone Cold]

sounds like youve really thought this through gigs! i hope you dont consult for the sharks

[GIGS20]

Highest bidder stoney!