Popular former referee Nigel Owens has called for a number of law changes following the opening weekend of the 2024 Six Nations.
Five second law:
He wrote: "The five-second law, where players must use the ball within five seconds after the referee says ‘use it’.
"That was brought in because players were slowing the game down by extending the ruck in order to get a box kick in further away, to avoid being charged down. It’s a good law on paper and one that definitely benefits the game, but the problem is that it’s not being refereed properly at the moment.
"Quite often I watch games where instead of being five seconds, it ends up being eight or nine seconds because referees are taking so long before they make that call.
"The referee should be calling this as soon as the ball is available to be used and not three or four seconds after. That is definitely an area that needs to be looked at in terms of how it’s refereed, and hopefully that will speed up games and mean we see fewer box kicks too."
Isuzu Scratch-Card Game:
If you don't win, don't worry - you get 2 chances to win every day! Have another attempt by simply answering a quick question following your first unsuccessful scratch.
Don't forget to come back every day to try and win big!
Offside:
Owens added: "The other area of the game that needs attention is how the offside law is refereed. It’s quite simple - if a player is in front of a team-mate who either has the ball or last played the ball, then that player is offside.
"But players shouldn’t be penalised unless it contributes to something, like tackling a player while offside or obstructing, picking up a ball or maybe closing down space.
"What referees and World Rugby have been strict on is, when you have an up and under, nobody in front of the ball carrier must advance until that player is put onside. Say I was standing in front of Ioan Lloyd when he kicks the ball - I can’t move until either he passes me or an onside team-mate passes me."
Owens continued: "There is a loophole in the law, which has been used fairly frequently in recent months, including in Wales’ defeat to Scotland. If you are more than 10 metres away from where the ball lands, you don’t have to retreat - you can stand still, until you’re put onside. As long as they don’t move forward, they can just stay still.
"The problem is, we have all these players standing still, closing down space - legally, in this case - and forcing the opposition to kick it straight back again. As that viral clip from the Bath v Gloucester game earlier this year showed, it can create a farcical situation that is not at all entertaining to watch.
It’s completely legal, but leads to a lot of aimless kicks, which was one of the big problems for Wales in that tough first half against Scotland. And of course, it looks absolutely bizarre."
NIGEL OWENS SIX NATIONS DREAM XV:
Delving into his honourable mentions and other interviews, we've compiled Owens' Six Nations dream team, necessitating six changes from his World XV.
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: "For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner."
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: "How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
"I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
"When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem."
Outside-centre: Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: "Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
"A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch."
Inside-centre: Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: "I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
"I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
"I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that."
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: "When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
"But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
"He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that."
Fly-half: Dan Carter (New Zealand), replaced by Dan Biggar (Wales)
Owens said: "He’s so focused and so passionate about what he’s doing, we’ve had a few run ins on the pitch down the years.
“I mean, it’s always been in a respectful way as we always have a drink and a laugh after the game.”
Scrum-half: Agustin Pichot (Argentina), replaced by Dwayne Peel (Wales)
Owens said: "I used to love watching Dwayne Peel in his prime as a scrum-half for those few years between 2004-06 with Wales, the Lions and Llanelli. Talented, a great guy, he also has a house just up the road from me!"
Loosehead-prop: Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Owens said: "He rarely smiles but has been a terrific player at loose-head prop. When I’ve penalised him and he’s smiled, I know I’d got the decision right!
"But, suffice to say, he hasn’t smiled often when I’ve refereed him. Another who has stood the test of time, which speaks volumes about his ability and character."
Hooker: John Smit (South Africa), replaced by Rory Best (Ireland)
Rory Best of Ireland during the Summer International match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 24th August 2019. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.
Tighthead-prop: Phil Vickery (England)
Owens said: "I always had a lot of time for him, found him a decent man, a good player to referee. He wasn’t one of those who would whinge at decisions, he would accept the call and get on with it.
"As a player, at his peak with Wasps during their European runs and with England in 2007, he was a formidable force.
"Just about edges out Carl Hayman, another great player and a pretty honest one as well. When he got it wrong and I penalised him, he would accept it."
Lock: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Owens said: "A man of few words, he does his talking on the field with his actions. Not only is he a brilliant player and a very good captain but I don’t think I have reffed a match where he hasn’t given absolutely everything."
Lock: Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Owens said: "Quite simply he was just an exceptional leader. I have been in charge of games where he pretty much carried his team, whether it was Munster or Ireland, almost on his back and onto victory."
Blindside-flanker: Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Owens said: "My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was. He unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career — recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup — led by example and understood the game very well.
"Also, he was exemplary in the way he conducted himself.
"There were never any complaints from him over refereeing, not even when borderline decisions went against France. When his team were crushed 62-13 by New Zealand during the 2015 World Cup, he wasn’t tempted to blame anyone.
"He acted as a true leader should act."
Openside-flanker: Chris Robshaw (England), replaced Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Owens included Chris Robshaw on his list of best captains.
Known for his exceptional work rate and leadership skills, Robshaw was a dynamic flanker who made a significant impact on the field. He enjoyed a successful club career with Harlequins, where he played for over a decade. Robshaw's dedication and commitment to the sport earned him numerous accolades and the respect of his peers.
Owens said: "Some people will be surprised at this one to start off. His misfortune was perhaps to be leading England during a difficult time, but he always gave everything for the cause, encouraging others to follow suit, and he was a nice guy off the pitch."
Number 8: Sergio Parisse (Italy)
Owens said: "I’ve been fortunate to have refereed some tremendous No.8s during my career but Sergio is tops. He’s such a talented player and rarely has a bad game.
"Maybe there’s a tendency to try and do too much because he’s been in an Italy or Stade Francais team which hasn’t been at its best, but he’s been extraordinary."
Can you name every player to score a hat-trick in the Six Nations?
In the thrilling world of the Guinness Six Nations, there's nothing quite like the euphoria of bagging a hat-trick.
Get your tickets for the 2024 Six Nations at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace. Ticket start from £27.
This extraordinary feat is as scarce as they come, with only 20 players accomplishing the remarkable three-try milestone since the Championship expanded to six nations in 2000.
Notably, a couple of players have even pulled off this astonishing feat twice, adding an extra layer of prestige to their rugby prowess.
Now, take a moment to rewind and test your memory. Can you recall the names of these exceptional hat-trick heroes?
If you manage a perfect score, you'll undoubtedly be entitled to a celebration on par with the jubilant antics witnessed by some of the stars on this illustrious list.
