I think the problem with HTB is that the game is already so overumpired that if every free that was there was paid wed have the 50 free kick debacle of the Melbourne game every time.
Its the strangest and most un-spirit of the game thing to let go but it has to be that way, particularly due to congestion.
Its the strangest and most un-spirit of the game thing to let go but it has to be that way, particularly due to congestion.
The umpires are giving players more time to dispose of the ball when tackled - which I think is good, and reduces congestion. But allowing a player to be tackled to the ground / ball to hit the ground and not calling HTB will increase congestion, as the only way the opposition can win the ball at that point is to jump on top of the player and lock it in.
I tend to think the officiating of the game yesterday was effected by the occasion - the umpires didn't do great in a high pressure environment. It happens, no one is perfect. I'd only be concerned if yesterdays interpretation of HTB was actually the new normal.

