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Greg Garner Goes Back to the Dark Ages in Blues’ Loss


"Merci Jonny"

By Andrew Collins
January 13 2014

Referee Greg Garner’s lack of empathy and understanding spoilt a potentially compelling Heineken Cup match, awarding the home side a hattrick of penalty tries and giving the Blues four yellow cards in the process.

Comparing the two team prior to kick off, you could’ve been forgiven for predicting a cricket score with the home side – reigning champions Toulon – boasting a backline including Jonny Wilkinson, Matt Giteau, Bastareaud and Drew Mitchell and forwards such as Andrew Sheridan, Carl Hayman, Bakies Botha and Joe Van Niekerk.

While the Blues proudly named Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert and Gethin Jenkins in their starting line-up, there was clearly a gulf in experience - if not class - but for forty minutes, our kids and company defied the bookies. Indeed, had it not been for some inexcusable refereeing, the young Blues may have returned to Wales with a bonus point or even more, as they frustrated the home side for long patches. 15 on 15, Cardiff coped admirably in both defence and attack, scoring two tries in open play, however there was sadly no answer to the brute force of Toulon’s rolling maul and power at scrum time.

While you can have no complaints about being beaten up front by an intimidating and imposing set of forwards, twitter was flooded with messages of complain towards referee Greg Garner, whose incredulous decisions cost the Blues 4 yellow cards, only one of which was truly justifiable (Copeland, 79).

The first sin binning was perhaps the most ridiculous. In an opening 5 minute spell where the champions came firing out of the traps, Australian international Giteau gracefully waltzed through the Cardiff midfield and into the 22. Chris Czekaj dragged him down with a fine cover tackle, dislodging the ball in the process and saving what had looked a probable try. Garner’s interpretation of the events was entirely unclear; either he cited ‘illicit work at the tackle’ (BBC) or it was a ‘high tackle’ (CardiffBlues.com) awarding a penalty and yellow card for the second infringement of the match. Ambiguous and extremely harsh to say the least.

It set a worrying precedent, which Garner failed to consistently stick to.

The visitors rallied extremely well despite being down to 14 men and facing the champions, and when Filo Paulo’s excellent grubber kick sent the home side scrambling backwards, the Blues were sniffing blood. Czekaj chased superbly and put Mitchell under pressure, fluffing his kick barely 10 yards and straight into the arms of the on-rushing Robin Copeland. His typically abrasive work down the touchline drew in several men before a classy offload - proving he has all the skill set to become an Ireland international in this year’s 6 Nations – to Paulo sent the Samoan crashing through two tackles and over the line.

However, Garner failed to notice the blatant offside immediately after Mitchell’s fluffed clearance, which could’ve cost the Blues their try. With all the Toulon defence still back-pedalling after Paulo’s grubber, they were all in an offside position when the kick went up, and when Rudi Wolf (I’m not entirely sure it was him, but check the replay) attempted to tackle Copeland he was unquestionably offside. Even though the Blues did claim the try, Garner simply had to award a yellow card or a Blues’ penalty from the restart. (NOTE - Someone may want to confirm whether Czekaj charged down the kick or not, but I didn’t see any contact. If you did, write in the comments below.)

A half time score of 15-13 was a fair reflection of two sides contrasting styles; the home side’s power and the visitor’s brave counterattacking and willingness to get the ball wide. Few would’ve predicted that after 40 minutes, and a compelling second half looked imminent. However it wasn’t to be. Garner decided to become the star of the show.

The Blues gathered the restart, but the normally so reliable Halfpenny spilled forwards before getting his clearance kick away. Now before we read what happened next, let’s remind ourselves of what the purpose of a scrum is;

“The purpose of a scrum is to restart play quickly, safely and fairly, after a minor infringement or a stoppage.” (quote taken from IRB.com)

With Gethin Jenkins off with injury, Sam Hobbs his replacement, this was the first scrum of the half and just 2 minutes in at that, not to mention the atrocious conditions of the pitch, which was tearing up underfoot at every scrum. Predictably, the Blues scrum was overpowered and splintered under the pressure. The result was the Blues’ 2nd yellow card, this time for Bourrust. Moments later, and with another new prop on the field for his first scrum of the game, the same result at scrum was this time awarded a penalty try. 2 scrums, 2 new props, 1 yellow card and 1 penalty try.

Now let’s be very clear about this, there was no intent to collapse or not compete in the scrum, they were simply overpowered by a bigger, stronger and better pack of forwards. The game had ‘restarted’ as fairly as possible through the scrum and Toulon could’ve played on, probably scoring eventually. In the backs, if one centre is bigger, faster and smarter than his opposite number, the defender doesn’t receive a yellow card or penalty for not being as good, so why is it that a front row forward, who is doing his best but is simply not as good, should be punished so harshly?

And all of this because Cardiff knocked on and the game needed restarting.

Again, it set a worrying precedent that Garner would have to stick to.

Now down to 14 men for the second time in 45 minutes, the Blues again struggled to cope with Toulon’s strength at a rolling maul and as they drove through all the Blues defenders towards the try line, substitute Ellis Jenkins ran back onside but proceeded to pull down the maul. Yellow card, penalty try, Blues down to 13.

However, Jenkins’ didn’t really pull down the maul, because no such maul existed. With no Blues defenders attached to their rolling set of Toulon forwards, there was no maul. So when Ellis Jenkins tackled one of the home forwards, the penalty should’ve gone against the home side for offside and blocking;

“A maul begins when a player carrying the ball is held by one or more opponents, and one or more of the ball carrier’s team mates bind on the ball carrier. A maul therefore consists, when it begins, of at least 3 players, all on their feet; the ball carrier and one player from each team. All the players involved must be caught in or bound to the maul and must be on their feet and moving towards a goal line.” (quote taken from IRB.com)

With the Blues now 2 men down, they conceded a well worked try which ended any element of contest in the match.

However, Garner at least did have a chance to show some consistency and fairness with 10 minutes to go. With the Blues showing ambitious backs play, Alex Cuthbert got the visitors into the opposition 22. 5 yards from the line and with Cardiff trying desperately to push the advantage, Toulon cynically infringed. Penalty given.  No yellow card. Fair? Absolutely not.

The Blues tapped the penalty to keep Toulon backpedalling, but when they didn’t retreat the full 10 metres – or at least as far as their try line – Garner’s arm went out.  Sam Hobbs forced his way over for a deserved score, but Garner inexcusably failed to go back and award the yellow card.

The final yellow I can’t dispute. Frustration got the better of Copeland, who had been magnificent all match, and he kicked the ball out of Michalak’s hands as they pushed for the bonus point try. Although we can forgive Copeland it was a shame, as the Blues defence was more than just holding Toulon at bay, actually driving them 5-10 yards back. Toulon took opted for the scrum from the penalty, and as expected, they were awarded a penalty try – Garner completed his hattrick.

 

 

Sometimes when you’re watching a match, it is easy to think you’re being victimised by the referee when in fact you don’t have clear view, or you’re watching with rose tinted glasses on. At times like this, I try to let it go and reflect a day later. A good example of this was THAT ‘forward pass’ by Australia against Wales in the recent Autumn International. Furious at the time, I was forced to accept that actually, given the momentum rule, the referee was right and I was absolutely wrong.

I’ve thought about this for two days before writing this article, but I cannot find any redeeming features of Garner’s performance.

In fact, the more I try to find fair accounts of his performance, I instead find comments the likes of Matt Dawson, Jez Warburton and Ieuan Evans agreeing with me.

I always try not to look for excuses, but Garner absolutely ruined what was potential a thrilling game of David vs Goliath. The first yellow card was extremely harsh and totally uncalled for. His interpretation of the scrum lacked empathy and understanding of what was happening. The lack of consistency in not awarding Toulon a yellow for infringing and then not retreating on their own try line almost seemed intentional.

(Many thanks to @JohnNadaBright who brought this to my attention) Less than a month ago, Garner refereed Perpignan’s heavy loss to Munster. Perpignan President Francois Riviere sent ‘a firm latter of complaint’ to ERC Ltd.  He said;

“I cannot remain inactive in the face of such injustice. Between the try which was denied, the penalty try and the 14 to 4 penalty count against us, it is my duty to do something. It’s not acceptable to let this go.”

I have tweeted Richard Holland and the Cardiff Blues suggesting they do the same.

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Greg Garner Goes Back to the Dark Ages in Blues’ Loss
Discussion started by theArmsPark.co.uk , 13/01/2014 12:09
theArmsPark.co.uk
13/01/2014 12:09
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Ian Robinson Was Innocent
13/01/2014 13:54
Nice article Andrew, I agree with all your comments, I felt the Blues were harshly treated by Garner. The first thing I did after the match was to check the web to see if other complaints about his poor refereeing were online, and I found the Perpignan report.
As for the Blues, I felt proud of their efforts, I thought Gethin had an outstanding game until his unfortunate injury. But when you have only 14 or 13 players on the park, it is almost impossible to compete against a class team like Toulon. An excellent effort spoiled by a ref with no emotion or feeling for the game.

Rich.
13/01/2014 14:22
Can't stop but Garner was criticised the other day for not yellow carding anyone when all felt he should have and it seems he therefore went to the total other extreme. He's some reffing academy product I believe. Mmmmm Still all to play for this weekend - Amlin QF or potentially a best runner up place in thew HC QFs! Come on Cardiff (and cONNACHT!)

ATTR
13/01/2014 15:22
BB turned in at, almost, every scrum.

The only questionable card was CC's. The YC for collapsing the maul was cast iron. As were BB's and RC's.

A case could be made for a YC for Toulon (on the basis of the CC card).

Our scrum was destroyed and to try to stop it out props turned in time and time again. What do you expect the ref to do?

Rather: Ask why Phil Davies has done nothing about our scrum? Why are we shunted around by almost every side we play!

Those are the questions you need to ask Holland!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2014:01:13:15:35:05 by ATTR.

ATTR
13/01/2014 15:27
". Even though the Blues did claim the try, Garner simply had to award a yellow card or a Blues’ penalty from the restart."

On what possible grounds could a Penalty restart be given?



"(NOTE - Someone may want to confirm whether Czekaj charged down the kick or not, but I didn’t see any contact. If you did, write in the comments below.)"

That was Greg's ruling

theArmsPark.co.uk Admin
13/01/2014 15:54
I've read this on ref net;

Remember that if an offence occurs post try - or even in the build up that didn't prevent the try being scored (as in this case) - a penalty restart to the scoring team is an option that you can use.

Not sure it's right though ATTR, care to enlighten us?

Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
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ATTR
13/01/2014 18:51
Quote:
theArmsPark.co.uk Admin
I've read this on ref net;
Remember that if an offence occurs post try - or even in the build up that didn't prevent the try being scored (as in this case) - a penalty restart to the scoring team is an option that you can use.

Not sure it's right though ATTR, care to enlighten us?

"Ref net", what ever that is, is talking nonsense sorry.

The relevant law is:

22.17 MISCONDUCT OR UNFAIR PLAY IN IN-GOAL

(a) Obstruction by the attacking team. When a player charges or intentionally obstructs an opponent in the in-goal who has just kicked the ball, the opponent’s team may choose to take the penalty kick either in the field of play, 5 metres from the goal line opposite the place of infringement, or where the ball landed. If they make the second choice and the ball lands in or near touch, the mark for the penalty kick is 15 metres from the touchline, opposite where the ball went into touch or where it landed.

A try is disallowed and a penalty kick awarded if a try would probably not have been scored but for foul play by the attacking team.

(b) Foul play by the defending team. The referee awards a penalty try if a try would probably have been scored but for foul play by the defending team. The referee awards a penalty try if a try would probably have been scored in a better position but for foul play by the defending team.

A penalty try is awarded between the goal posts. The defending team may charge the conversion kick after a penalty try.

A player who prevents a try being scored through foul play must either be cautioned and temporarily suspended or sent off.

(c) Any other foul play. When a player commits any other foul play in the in-goal while the ball is out of play, the penalty kick is awarded at the place where the game would otherwise have re-started.

Sanction: Penalty kick

Here the ball was not out of play so (c) does not apply. IF the ref felt an offence was worth of a card but he played advantage he can give a card. But You can't take the course of action that you recommend.

The thing is admin, if you are going to launch a tirade against the referee it would help if you researched your facts.

theArmsPark.co.uk Admin
13/01/2014 19:07
Well I stand by the fact he should've given a yellow card.

Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!

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theArmsPark.co.uk Admin
13/01/2014 19:08
And a fair bit of research went into that article.

Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!

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ATTR
13/01/2014 19:24
Except a critical law point.

You also need to review your understanding of the maul law. If defenders leave the maul is not over. If you had researched, as you claim, you'd not have made these mistakes!

Ask yourself: Why did BB turn and bore in at scrum time? It was to illegally negate Toulon's scrum power. Remember Toulon have no reason to drive in since they want to drive Cardiff back and destroy them. Your comparison with the centres is nonsense.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:01:13:19:27:01 by ATTR.

ATTR
13/01/2014 19:35
Garner clearly calls the ball as "touched" in flight in the build up to the Cardiff try so there is absolutely no question of a card let alone the nonsense of a restart PK.

ATTR
13/01/2014 19:38
"In fact, the more I try to find fair accounts of his performance, I instead find comments the likes of Matt
Dawson, Jez Warburton and Ieuan Evans agreeing with me."

Three real "experts" on the law. sorry go to the law book and watch the game again. without those Blue (and black) tinted glasses.

southcoast5
13/01/2014 22:21
BB was illegal at scrum time most of the afternoon. Andrews didn't have the savvy to do anything but fold..but then that's all he ever does. These are the best 2 tightheads we have but they are the worst pair of 3's in any northern hemisphere pro team. Point is that this was the case throughout last season also.

If anything spells out clearly the poverty of ambition at CAP it is the failure to spend any money to improve our scrum. What signal does it give to any ambitious young player who wants compete at the top end. There is no expectation of success so when PT talks about the money from European competition it's a bit like a journeyman golf pro holding out for appearance money because that's all he expects to get.

ATTR
14/01/2014 10:42
Quote:
southcoast5
BB was illegal at scrum time most of the afternoon. Andrews didn't have the savvy to do anything but fold..but then that's all he ever does. These are the best 2 tightheads we have but they are the worst pair of 3's in any northern hemisphere pro team. Point is that this was the case throughout last season also.
If anything spells out clearly the poverty of ambition at CAP it is the failure to spend any money to improve our scrum. What signal does it give to any ambitious young player who wants compete at the top end. There is no expectation of success so when PT talks about the money from European competition it's a bit like a journeyman golf pro holding out for appearance money because that's all he expects to get.

Thank God for someone else without Blue and black glasses on!!!!

The only point I disagree on is that, I think, BB is better than a number of NH THs and would have had a chance to show it wit ha better coaching set up. Is it significant he's getting his chance now? Our 2R is not up to the job either which does not help the FR. Still I've been banging on with such negative facts for a long time now! But we know that too many on here did not like the truth!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:01:14:16:10:13 by ATTR.

cardifflose
14/01/2014 11:30
I have said it a while back BB is one of the best tight Heads we have had for a number of years, problem is it takes more than one to push!

Lebowski
14/01/2014 14:21
I can't comment on your game as I only saw snippets (one of those where I recorded the game but heard the result so didn't bother watching). However as someone who has to endure Greg Garner decimating my team several times a year in The Premiership I can sympathise. My impressions of him are that he favours certain sides (consistently) and also has a tendency to take dislikes to individual players and persistently penalise them as a result. He did this to David Mele of Leicester in a game against Bath this season. It was clear Mele had got annoyed him in some way, but I thought his response was very unprofessional.

cardiffsteve
14/01/2014 16:00
I actually didnt have an issue with the majority of the decisions given against us.

I thought it was far more a case of Toulon being able to get away with a tremendous amount whilst everything we did was forensically examined. Home teams that are expected to win sometimes benefit from that treatment.

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