Good Squad, But, Beware The Nipponese Threat

SCOTTIE has spoken and we now know the 40-man training squad, from which our match-day squads for the Autumn internationals will come. Few surprises in the squad, right enough; the big guns will in all probability be kept back for the Aussie and Saffers games, but, the experiences which befell Wales on-tour in the summer should guard against throwing-in too-many players against the Japanese.

 

I am delighted to see Jonny Gray and Mark Bennett getting the nod, but would also like to have seen Gordie Reid, whose star has waned somewhat ont he back of a couple of heavy head knocks, being handed a wee confidence-booster by his inclusion. For me, he's a better loose-head than Alastair Dickinson.

 

But, that's personal preference with a hint of bias and there are always arguments about selection.

 

Speaking of arguments, somewhat belatedly that terrible newspaper the Mail on Sunday has sparked-off some debate in Englandshire about head injuries in rugby; something we Celtis have been aware of for far longer. I understand the lawyers at the IRB would rather we didn't talk about this, but, that's always the way with lawyers.

 

We cannot be too-careful where the players' long-term health is concerned and I hope the debate continues and we get a better protocol in place than at present.

 

Another thing which the IRB MUST, MUST, MUST, get a grip of is refereeing standards. So-many games today seem to turn on the official's interpretation of events and that isn't good for any sport.

 

The new scrum laws seem to be working well-enough, although, the Autumn Tests will give us a better idea of exactly how well they are working. I do fell, however, that the initial zeal with which crooked scrum feeding was cracked down upon has eased somewhat, or does this simply reinforce what we have always thought - scrum-halves will always push the boundaries?

 

I still reckon for rugby to really become as good as it could be, we have to go back to proper rucking, with a demand that the ball be played with at least one foot in rucks. Cut out handling ont he ground, and go back to basics. Yes, initially, one or two thugs will be less than careful with boot placement, but, with TV replays and citings at the top end, the bad apples will be quickly rooted out and, hopefully, we will see a faster, better game.

 

Speaking of a better game. As I suspected they would, the Welsh regions have, albeit belatedly, thrown their lot in with the Welsh clubs in the battle for the soul of the European game. The WRU are making noises about objecting, but, here too, a few more blandishments in their ears from the money men across the Severn and they too will cave-in.

The Old Farts running the six Unions MUST find their cojones and stand-up to the English pirates seeking to overthrow the status quo - or, we're awe doomed, doomed ah tell ye.