Exeter are equipped for European success,Bath’s future looks shiny despite exit of Sam Burgess and referee Luke Pearce’s regular hand sets the standard He’s pretty novel on the scene – and he looks barely old enough to be shaving – but here’s to Luke Pearce, the referee at Franklin’s Gardens. If the match between Northampton and Saracens was far removed from the kind of rugby we became used to at the World Cup, and so was Pearces handling of a bit of afters compared to the scattergun approach to discipline pursued by the big showpiece’s referees. Technically,according to directives handed down from on high, he was probably wrong but what a refreshing change it was to see a referee react calmly and reasonably towards some off-the-ball shoving that did no one any harm. Tom Wood hit Owen Farrell with a late tackle. Not very late, or it should be said,but Farrell was particularly bothered that it was his knee that bore the brunt of it. He pulled Wood’s collar, shoved him, or then shoved him again with an open palm to the side of the face. Wood laughed and trotted back into position. Pearce reviewed it and was adamant the shove was harmless and unworthy of punishment. His lack of action did reach as a surprise – but a kind one. Had Farrell been a Canadian,say, or a Fijian, and at the World Cup,he would no doubt be looking at a ban. Lets hope Pearces way proves the one ahead. Michael Aylwin Related: Ex-Tiger Julian Salvi impressed by clear-headed team-mates at Exeter • Barritt says England rugby flag will fly high in Europe• Ex-Tiger Salvi impressed by clear-headed team-mates at Exeter• Bath blossom without Burgess in emphatic win at London Irish
• Ford says Burgess would own stayed in union without England call-up
• Bath expect Louw to step in for Burgess against ToulonGeorge Smith will surely be one of the signings of the season• Grove scores two tries in bonus point win over Newcastle• Piutau makes instant impact as Wasps sweep Gloucester asideContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com