Interesting.
When you’re England and you’re trying to stop Ireland from clinching a Grand Slam at Twickenham, you’ll do anything possible to get an edge.
Yet, it’s still surprising to hear that Eddie Jones invited one of the match officials for Saturday’s clash with Ireland to referee England’s training session on Tuesday.
According to The Times, Marius van der Westhuizen, who will be an assistant referee at Twickenham, helped England during their training session just four days before Jones’ side host newly-crowned Six Nations champions Ireland.
There is no breach of the rules here, it must be stressed. While referees are forbidden from officiating in training sessions involving a team they will be refereeing during a tournament, there is no such stipulation for assistants like van der Westhuizen.
Angus Gardner is the referee for England v Ireland at Twickenham. Van der Westhuizen is one of two assistants alongside Jaco Peyper.
It’s a bit of a grey area in rugby as it’s commonplace for countries to do this prior to games. Ireland have reportedly enlisted the services of John Lacey in the past, but it certainly comes off as questionable that England have invited an assistant referee into a training session just a few days before taking on Ireland.
They knew the story was going to hit the press, too, meaning Ireland would, of course, see it. Are they starting psychological warfare? Probably not, but something’s up. Then again, if it makes for a more free-flowing, uninterrupted game of rugby, then we’re all for it, but it’s difficult to accept that being England’s primary motivation.
Whatever you think, some observers on social media have certainly questioned the move.
This maybe be legal but morally wrong…
— The Fish (@FishBigThe) March 14, 2018
Another loophole exploited. Shouldn't be allowed …. unless of course he then refs Ireland's training today.
— Anne Kirkham (@akhfk) March 14, 2018
That might be described by some as a “marginal gain”. Not cool. Not cool at all…
— Tee-Ho (@TrentHollybank) March 14, 2018
This is, perhaps, not the greatest piece of judgment ever displayed in the build up to a game.
Something being not against the rules does not mean it's also an entirely sound thing to do.
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) March 14, 2018
Slight scent of desperation I think. He's trying to rattle and rile as well as curry favor with the officials. It's the level of decent behaviour we expect from Eddie Jones though
— Mike McGuckin (@mikeni77) March 14, 2018
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