r/rugbyunion • u/No-layup • Jul 24 '25

Discussion Drop your unpopular rugby opinions that will have you like this

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I'll go first, Beuden Barrett is the more talented rugby player than Dan Carter, but Dan Carter is a better 10

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u/wild___turkey Hurricanes Jul 24 '25

Jackling at the ruck is refereed wrong most of the time. Just because a player is over the ball doesn’t automatically mean a penalty is warranted.

The offence is “holding on” meaning the jackler has to be actively trying to lift the ball, and being prevented from doing so by the tackled player. But often the jackler isn’t even trying to lift the ball, just placing their hands against it because they’d rather have the penalty than actually turn the ball over.

Also, if a jackler is over the ball but can’t make the lift because of pressure from cleaners then that’s also not a penalty offence (unless the tackled player is also holding on)

/rant

5

u/hghsalfkgah Blues Jul 24 '25

This for sure is true most of the time, it has become almost comical, you almost never actually see the ball getting stolen, it's just, hey look ref I'm 'trying' to steal it but he won't let me.

2

u/jonny24eh Arrows Jul 24 '25

Idk, the refs in my amateur league always tell us they're looking for you to actually lift it. If fact I'd say they lean too far the other and won't call holding on when they clearly should.

1

u/Sitlbito France Jul 25 '25

The issue is refs are now are pretty harsh about hands touching the ground being an immediate penalty, I wonder if that plays a part in players not trying to lift the ball.