Point of law, RFU

[Derek Smith]

Just watching rugby on TV. The ref stated that a tackler cannot lift the opposing player. The lift was straight up, no more than 18 inches, and deliberate.

News to me. Anyone agree with this?

[DocJock]

News to me as well.

[BigBob]

IMO since Alain Rolands' interpretation in the RWC too many refs seem to treat ANY tackle where the players feet leave the floor as a foul.

BB

[DJRC]

The law is whatever the ref on the pitch tells you it is. Whether it is or is not will not help you during the game, so you go along with what the ref says.

[davepoth]

The refs were told at the WRC to interpret the law strictly - too strictly in my book. But the referee is always right.

[z4chris99]

thankfully hasn't filtered down to the rubbish refs at lower league level, we're still allowed to put in the dumps and spears

[Famous Graham]

DocJock said:

News to me as well.

Ditto.

Poor reffing imo. Discretion totally absent.

(ETA - and yes, on the field the ref is absolute and should be obeyed - that's not to say that off-field/post-game criticism from non-participants is verboten )