For all the fiddling with the rules that goes on it would be nice if sometimes the Powers That Be would come up with rules that have some sort of value.  The ELVs are almost a complete waste of time - i say almost because the rule to prevent teams passing into the 22 before kicking out directly and the 5m back off the scrum rules actually add something to the game.  Willy nilly free kicks are utter rubbish and devalue the game as a spectacle.

 Think about it - you’re on attack, looking to score and the opposition deliberately infringes.  Old rules - knock the penalty over or kick to touch and go for a try.  ELVs - take a tap and play some more rugby league. 

 I’ve gone completely off the topic.  What is bothering me this week is what happened in the Sharks v Reds game on Saturday.  The touch judge saw a definite yellow card offence, but the Reds got away with it because he didn’t get a number. 

 Now surely in that circumstance the captain should be approached and the guilty player steps forward.  If that doesn’t happen the captain is asked to nominate a player to send to the sin bin.  Result - the Reds are duly punished for foul play and the Sharks get 10 minutes to play against 14 men.  Let’s leave out of the argument, for now, that they probably couldn’t have beaten the Reds if they’d played with 9 men!

Genia has been nailed with a four week ban, but it doesn’t help the Sharks at all. 

 If the IRB are going to get some of the big rugby minds to sit around and discuss rules - why not spend that time talking about rules that would actually make sense?

 Oh yes - because Rod McQueen and the rest of Australia want to play touch rugby.