"Why don't refs penalise crooked scrum feeds?" - Nigel Owens answers the most-asked question
Rugby NewsThursday, 09 November 2023 at 19:43
Nigel Owens, the renowned rugby referee, has addressed the persistent query that plagues the minds of rugby enthusiasts: the apparent leniency towards scrum-halves who feed the ball into scrums at an angle.
In virtually every scrum, witnessed in professional rugby encounters, scrum-halves frequently opt to send the ball towards the feet of their team's hooker, rather than directing it straight down the center of the set-piece channel.
Speaking during a Q&A, Owens said: "I'm not surprised so many people asked that because that gets asked pretty much everywhere I go.
"They're right. We are not good enough as referees refereeing it. That's the simple answer.
"There are many reasons for that, don't get me wrong. You can have so many problems in the scrum and you're focussing on the front row, the height, the binding, especially if scrums are a nightmare in some games.
"You're focussing so much on those other things, the feed is down your checklist, you know. That's not an excuse but it is a contributing factor.
"The long and the short of it is we need to get back to refereeing the feed better, there's no doubt. We don't do it and we should be doing it.
"You've also got ask the nines why put it in that way, mind.
"But we do talk about it as referees when we get together and that is something I would like to see change to make it a fair contest.
"Everybody always asks about it so it obviously it is a bugbear for everybody in the game.
"So, I agree, as referees - me included - we're just not good enough with it."
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Nigel Owens reveals who was worst to referee between Biggar, Farrell and Sexton
Nigel Owens, a former Welsh referee who retired from officiating at the Test level in 2020, has taken the opportunity to reflect on the best and worst players he encountered during his career.
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Despite his busy schedule managing his farm, Owens remains engaged in the rugby community, lending his expertise as a pundit and appearing in video features for prominent platforms such as the BBC, Amazon Prime, and World Rugby.
While he no longer referees professional club games, his last match in that capacity was a centenary fixture between Trimsaran and Llanelli, which took place in March of this year.
Arguably, the three worst players to deal with these days are Owen Farrell, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton.
Owens has had his say on all three, ranking them from worst to best.
#3. Owen Farrell (England)
Farrell, the English rugby captain, epitomizes leadership and respect. Renowned for his versatility as a fly-half or centre, he combines skill and discipline, serving as a linchpin in England's rugby campaigns.
Nigel Owens said: "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."
#2. Dan Biggar (Wales)
Biggar, the Welsh rugby sensation, is celebrated for his unwavering focus and passion. A prolific fly-half, he has charmed fans with his skill and respect on and off the field.
Owens said: "Oh god yes. 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."
Dan Biggar of Northampton Saints kicks the penalty to take the lead during the European Champions Cup, Quarter-final match between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park on 20 Sept 2020. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.
#1. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
Sexton, the Irish rugby maestro, leads with intelligence and grit. As a world-class fly-half, he's earned his place among the rugby elite through precise decision-making and relentless determination.
Owens on Sexton and Biggar: “I’ll tell you what, they’re probably the best two referees in the world, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton, because when you ref them they always think they know more than you!”
Andy Farrell, Head Coach of Ireland and Johnny Sexton, Captain of Ireland pose with the Guinness Six Nations trophy during the 2023 Guinness Six Nations Media Launch at County Hall, Lambeth, London on Monday 23rd January 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
Owens also named the referee who would make the best player, as well as the referee who would make the worst player.
“Which referee fancies themselves as the best player? Well, that would be Nic Berry, because he played at the top level for Wasps and [Racing 92] as a very, very talented scrum-half and a very talented referee as well,” Owens said.
“I’ll tell you which referee wouldn’t make a talented pl
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