Originally Posted by I love Ellie:
“What are your views on the Irish tactic in that match, namely a second tackler (usually D O'C or P O'C) holding Phillips up in a headlock, whilst all shouting "It's a MAUL, it's a MAUL" to the ref?
Do you think England have noticed this and will address it?”
Well I think their is a lot of headlock stuff going on in the maul area and tackle area. Which is something that needs to be looked at. Are you saying they are pulling him off the floor by his neck?
As for shouting it at the ref that is something that is coached into all teams, As soon as I make a tackel I am saying "holding on" as soon as someone hits the ruck I tell the ref they are of their feet. The ref either ignores you or agrees with you and often he pulls you to one side and tells you to shut the fu*k up or he is going to send you off.
The rules are simple if the ball is held up then its a maul if the ball or the player carrying it is on the floor its a ruck.
I think if I was playing Wales Philips would be a target for special attention due to his temprement. Just as Hartley is for England.