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       #Post#: 90784--------------------------------------------------
       European Champions Cup Quarter Finals
   DIR By: RCG
       Date: April 13, 2025, 11:47 am
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       Although only one of the games ended up close on paper there was
       a test match feel to all the games, at least to start with. The
       difference in experience of the referees, in my opinion, came
       through
       Friday night saw Leinster destroy Glasgow and although not the
       most difficult of games Luke Pearce stood out. Consistently
       penalised, communication spot on, decision making excellent
       Likewise the all French tie on Sunday afternoon was superbly
       refereed by Matt Carley. Yes he didn't get everything right but
       he was the perfect choice as he remains completely unflappable
       and was not influenced by the crowd or the occasion. His
       dialogue was good, helped by having English players on both
       sides. The last penalty was a clear decision but other refs may
       not have given seeings as it was against the home side.
       The middle 2 QFs both got a bit tetchy in places and highlighted
       the relative inexperience of the 2 referees. As readers on here
       will know I am a big fan of Nika Amushukeli and think he is
       destined for great things. Saturday will have been a good
       learning experience of seeing players who normally respond
       positively choosing to ignore you and others indulging in
       tactics which bordered illegality and were certainly designed to
       wind up the opposition. He needed to be a bit firmer early on
       and use the YC for cumulative offences. He may still get a SF,
       preferably in Challenge Cup, but maybe running touch to one of
       the other refs would help
       Piardi, it was felt on this forum, did not perform well in his
       R16 game and so was lucky to get a QF.
       Too many of the big decisions were wrong - illegality high
       tackle preventing a try - seen as penalty only. At v least it
       was a YC for the offence but then to say the winger would not
       have scored was simply wrong, an error. Likewise he continued to
       warn both sides for handbags and shenanigans that they had all
       switched off, he was not getting any respect. I praise his AR
       who almost insisted there were 2 further YCs following the foul
       play; neither of which Piardi seemed inclined to give
       Will be interesting to see how Tony Spreadbury and committee
       evaluate the QFs as they have a big decision to make as to who
       goes to Dublin
       Leinster face Northampton - in years gone by this would have
       been nailed on French or Nigel Owens. Brousset does not seem to
       have the trust, Evans neither which leaves Sam Grove White, who
       I am about to watch, Piardi or Amushukeli
       Bordeaux vs Toulouse will be an English officiating team
       Small mention on the Challenge Cup QFs - Christophe Ridley was
       excellent in Connacht
       The others will have to wait until I have caught up
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