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Leinster senior coach Stuart Lancaster says he wants umpires to get the big decisions right and allow the game to flow more, ahead of Friday’s Guinness Pro14 semi-final against Munster.
There has been some criticism of perceived inconsistencies in the implementation of the rules by the men in the middle over the years, with only one Pro14 referee chosen to the panel at last year’s World Cup in Japan.
That was Nigel Owens who, along with Andrew Brace, were the two rounds in the competition for the Six Nations this season.
There were no fewer than 35 penalties awarded in Munster’s big win over Connacht last weekend, with Frank Murphy showing straight reds to Abraham Papali’i and Shane Delahunt for high tackles.
Lancaster says that referees, no more than players, can make mistakes, but he hopes performance will continue to improve in the Pro14.
“I think both players and referees should learn as they go,” he told RTÉ Sport’s Michael Corcoran.
“I have yet to meet a referee who would say he does everything right. They are a very honest bunch and they all want feedback from us on how they can improve as much as we want feedback from them on how we can improve – it works both ways.
“I think the key for referees is to hit those great moments”
“If you took Super Rugby, in the first or second round there was a very high penalty count which then seemed to calm down.
“Our game against Ulster at the weekend, I think it was 11-10 penalty count, which made for a better show.
“I think the key for referees is to get it right in those big moments. We can penalize everyone and everything at every moment in rugby at times.
“It is letting go of the game, but doing the important things well.
“Keep the tackler away, showing a clear release to make sure there’s fair competition for the ball. On the other hand, making sure it doesn’t come in from the side and cause those injuries. That was part of the reason they wanted to. really put the emphasis on those failure decisions.
“I’m pretty sure it will continue to move in the right direction.”
Leinster is heading to the derby this weekend in exceptional fashion.
Any fear that the breakdown caused by coronavirus restrictions could disrupt his undefeated season has been allayed.
They had not tasted defeat for 21 games when action was postponed in March, in a streak that dates back to their defeat in the Champions Cup final to the Saracens in May last year.
Since returning last month, they have taken Friday’s opponents, as well as Ulster, into account to maintain their perfect campaign.
But Lancaster is quick to point out that they are only nearing the commercial end of the season.
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“It’s weird to get to round of 16 rugby in what almost feels like the beginning of the season,” he admits.
“But we’ve known for a long time. Pro14, to their credit, decided the structure of this early. We knew about those two games – the inter-pro (derbies), they were great preparation.
“We have also known for a while that it could be semi-final, final, quarter-final, semi-final, but what happens beyond this weekend is really irrelevant.
“It’s a round of 16 rugby and both teams are desperate to win. I don’t think anyone can bear the thought of not having a final to play next week, that’s why it’s such a seismic game.”
A Leinster-Munster match is possibly the most important game in Irish rugby.
And while Lancaster admits it’s a “shame” supporters can’t attend due to current health restrictions, he says the game is still a great occasion.
“When I was in England, the big rivalries were Leicester-Northampton, Bath-Bristol, Newcastle-Sale, even some of the Leeds games I played in – nothing prepares you for the intensity of a Munster-Leinster game.
“I’ve been involved in quite a few now, some on the right end of the scoreboard and some on the wrong end.
“It’s right up there with test rugby, there’s no question. For the players and for the fans. That’s the beauty of the Irish system.”
“There is a genuine identity with each of the four provinces that fits perfectly with the geography of the country.
“I think that’s why Ireland has a very good product, but also a very good national team, because that intensity and identity is genuine.”
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Follow the Pro14 semi-final between Leinster and Munster (7.35pm on Friday) with our live blog on RTÉ Sport Online and the RTÉ News app or listen to the commentary live on RTÉ Radio 1.
Follow the Pro14 semi-final between Edinburgh and Ulster (7.35pm Saturday) with our live blog on RTÉ Sport Online and the RTÉ News app or listen to the commentary live on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra.
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