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'I think it's an incredible call to be honest' - Suspect calls going Japan's way leading to speculation over objectivity for World Cup host

By Online Editors
Japan celebrate scoring against Samoa. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Japan has been the feel-good story of the World Cup so far, with the tier two nation sitting atop Pool A after three wins from three matches, including a mammoth upset over Ireland.

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However, in the wake of the victories, the growing list of unhappy opposition coaches is growing at what seems to be building speculation that a ‘helping hand’ is propelling home side Japan towards a first quarter-final appearance.

After the infamous 19-12 win over Ireland, head coach Joe Schmidt was critical of the referees’ rulings around the ruck and offside officiating. Upon review, World Rugby confirmed that three of the four calls that went against Ireland were incorrectly made.

Samoa head coach was left baffled by the treatment of his players after a case of double standards after one of their players was unable to return from an HIA after a high shot from the Japanese. Flanker TJ Ioane received a yellow card for an earlier tackling infringement while Japan’s player was only penalised.

“I’m probably just as bewildered as most people,” coach Steve Jackson said after the match.

“I agree TJ’s (tackle) was late. But it was shoulder to the chest, then it is a shoulder to the head (against Nanai-Williams) and we lose a player after the HIA.

“I don’t take away anything from the Japan side but our players deserve better than that.”

Scotland’s coach Gregor Townsend is the latest coach to publicly air his concerns over calls going Japan’s way ahead of their crucial final pool-match on Sunday.

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He says the host nation benefited from ‘an incredible call’ which lead to their bonus point try over Samoa moments later in injury time.

“I’ve never seen a crooked feed penalised, certainly at the World Cup or in the Six Nations,” said Townsend.

“I think it’s an incredible call, to be honest. It’s something that has not been refereed and there’s been an agreement that there is more latitude for scrum-halves putting the ball in because you are the team that’s won the scrum.

“To see it in a World Cup really surprised me. To see it as we went into injury time for a game-changing decision was an even bigger surprise.”

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The online reaction to call was equally suspicious of the decision.

Scotland must secure a bonus-point win over Russia tomorrow to close the gap on Japan to a manageable four points going into their meeting in Yokohama, but could still miss out on the quarter-finals if the hosts get a losing bonus point on Sunday.

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Bull Shark 1 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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