CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 12: Referee Jonathan Kaplan of South Africa gives a decision during the RBS Six Nations Championship match between Wales and Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on March 12, 2011 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Steers Rugby Campaign Kick Off with Legendary Ref Jonathan Kaplan
Ref Jonathan Kaplan reckons the Boks can beat the All Blacks and that Ireland are the dark horses in this years Rugby World Cup.
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 12: Referee Jonathan Kaplan of South Africa gives a decision during the RBS Six Nations Championship match between Wales and Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on March 12, 2011 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
What’s the most difficult refereeing decision you’ve ever made?
The decision when to retire.
How much influence should technology have in refereeing?
It has a huge role to play . There have been numerous poor calls across the spectrum which have had catastrophic results for the game they were made in. It is important to get the protocols right as much as it is to get the right personnel involved . Technology is here to stay, but I’m not sure how well it has been applied or refined in the past few years.
Have you ever been sledged by players?
I always allowed a little bit of leeway in respect of the frustration that players feel towards decisions which they perceive have gone against them, but I did draw a line in the sand in respect of abusive behaviour or bad language . I never swore at a player in 32 years of refereeing and tried to respect each and every one of them. I expect the minimum in return, after all I am the man manager on the day.
Who is going to win the Rugby World Cup?
I think Ireland will go really well. They are my dark horses as long as they don’t get injuries to key players . They will have to rotate their squad as they will have to win a number of tough games en route to the final . The hosts are always tough, so England will be very competitive. I’m hopeful that the encouraging signs that the Boks have displayed will get better as the tournament progresses . They have an easy enough pool , so there shouldn’t be any excuses for them not to make the semis at the very least. They can beat the All Blacks. That said, they are the clear favorites and deservedly so. They have a good mix of youth and experience, and their philosophy and game plan is superior to most .
What’s the best thing about the World Cup?
The best thing is the vibe . It’s all about rugby. Even the lesser lights enjoy the stage to showcase what they can do. The tournament often produces quite sterile results, but when the upset happens, it is magnified such as Tonga’s famous victory over France at the last RWC.
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Cover Image Caption: CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 12: Referee Jonathan Kaplan of South Africa gives a decision during the RBS Six Nations Championship match between Wales and Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on March 12, 2011 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
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