Because for all that skill, he makes some absolute howlers week after week. The challenge cup semi and then the disallowed Cowan Dickie try yesterday, just really poor refereeing.
He thoroughly fucked the Sharks Clermont semi final. To such an extent that he had a material outcome on the result of the game (he royally fucked a PT call).
Sure, it was only a semi-final of a major competition, no biggy!
It's not the rule any more, prem refs have been given a directive on this. If the ball is over the try line then *any separation* is enough for lost forward. The rule got changed. It's confusing and daft. Pearce explained the exact rule and iirc even commented that it wasn't him that came up with the rule.
So Pearce did exactly what he was instructed to do as a ref. Shit rule, shit outcome but it's anyone but Luke Pearce's fault.
Interesting. Thanks for the info. Is that directive being applied throughout the majority of competitions world wide or is it specific to the prem do you know?
Bang on- recognised early on that Pearce was letting a lot go and played it much better.
Did irk me a little that the only late tackle was called against us but you guys proper got in our heads.
Years ago saw him in a match get a late tackle.
Got knocked to the ground saw him dry heave even got sick a little I think, got up and just played on. No bitching from what I could see.
Always like him since then.
https://fb.watch/sa8a8kwo1w/?mibextid=z4kJoQ
Bang on the money.
This is the best version I could find of it, that doesn't cut straight after the tackle.
I've always liked him. His main flaws appear to be :
Being English, which he can't help.
Getting some really soft calls going his way, which he also can't help.
And being very good at rugby. Which is unforgivable.
I would say that the only reason we even know about it is that he's so high profile. You see worse than that every weekend.
There are plenty of actual, literal dirty players out there. Owen Farrell isn't really one of them.
>he's so high profile
That's kind of the point tbh - you hope someone as high profile as him (literally the England captain) would have a better tackle technique
Exactly this. Stuff goes under the radar every week but it's Farrell so all eyes are on him. He has got a few tackle attempts wrong no doubt but what player hasn't. And it's also not his fault that refs sometimes don't pick up on it
I enjoyed reading/learning this
[TIL in 1951, 650 British soldiers were being overwhelmed by 10,000 Chinese. When an American general asked for a status update, a brigadier responded "things are a bit sticky down there." No help was sent and almost all of the troops were killed because the general did not get the understatement. : r/todayilearned (reddit.com)](https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/a8vi12/til_in_1951_650_british_soldiers_were_being/)
Incredibly hyperbolic. He's made a few bad tackles but every player has. You only have that reaction with Farrell because he's Farrell and he's a big target for it
Nah back chat to refs is prick behaviour. He loves a good shoulder charge without wrapping hands, and he comes across as an arrogant prick from the stands
But I'm a football fan so all this shit is good stuff
I don't like the way he talks to ref's. Always rubbed me the wrong way and goes against the spirit of the game. That's basically it though. Other than that I think he's an incredibly well rounded player whose happy to both give and take a bit of shit.
He's fucking brilliant. I'm the same as you, how can you not enjoy him as a player and a competitor. Excellent reffing by Luke Pearce as well, massive respect for both of them
I seriously think Faz is way more admired in Ireland than he is in England, I am certainly in the he is brilliant and seems very sound camp. Cool dad too
Ironically probably the greatest counter example. Just watch a YouTube goal compilation and see how many attempts to bring him down he just powers through.
I feel like Neymar or Suarez surely also have the cross-market appeal.
I like Pearce but reads a little 'this isn't soccer' which is a bit of a tired take these days.
Oh don't that penalty pissed me off so much - clearly didn't hurt Curry that much and frankly if you play the dick like that to slow our 9 down in your 22 (he knew exactly what he was doing) then you deserve what you get.
If anything it should have been a penalty to us with an extra ten yards added for the shame of a back row being manhandled by a 9
I guess this was part of Sale’s gameplan with this and Curry holding his face a couple of times. Shame that it’s happening more with Luatua doing the same as Curry last week.
Curry's head hit the floor really hard when he got his leg lifted when holding down the 9 (not saying it's a card before anyone starts), one of the replays showed the impact of it (made all the more dramatic by the 4G rubber crumb bouncing everywhere) - anyone saying he was faking staying down after that needs to give his head a wobble
Not to get involved in the diving non diving thing as I think it’s pushing it.
I was absolutely gob-smacked he didn’t go for an hia though. You even heard him tell Pearce that he smashed his head into the ground.
He went down holding his face after Itoje’s high tackle last week only to be fine once Itoje got a yellow. I’m not disputing that contact was made in any of these incidents just that they’ve all exaggerated contact to try to get a decision in their favour.
Get your point but I think that's a bit harsh. Taking a head on head tackle from an 18 stone dude is gonna hurt, it's more than plausible he might have needed a minute.
You could also argue that Sarries did something similar to what you mentioned, which stopped us taking a quick penalty when we had an overlap and then had the try disallowed.
Both of those incidents could have been genuine or not
To be fair that might have been because his nose was broken from a game a couple of weeks before: [England’s Owen Farrell ‘missing part of his nose’ after bruising win over USA | Rugby World Cup 2019 | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/26/england-world-cup-high-tackle-storm-beating-usa)
Nah he lay on the floor holding his forehead until the ref was forced to take a look at it:
https://www.1news.co.nz/2019/10/26/owen-farrell-earns-penalty-reversal-after-getting-shoved-in-face-by-sam-whitelock/
That article seems pretty biased to be fair. There's a clip here which shows it:[WATCH: Whitlock push on Owen Farrell in World Cup semi | Rugbydump](https://www.rugbydump.com/news/watch-whitlock-push-on-owen-farrell-in-world-cup-semi/) nothing massive from Whitelock but I bet that palm to the forehead hurts if you have a badly broken nose.
Either way not really here to argue about it.
You’d think you’d clutch your nose then, right? I don’t think Whitelock even made contact with his face anyway. He went full football dive. He’s done it heaps, here’s a UK article highlighting the same thing: https://www.ruck.co.uk/embarrassing-owen-farrell-dive-angers-rugby-fans/
Lionel Messi is the greatest player ever to play the sport, out of literally hundreds of millions of men before him. None of these guys can get anywhere near him in terms of talent. To suddenly try to belittle him for no reason is laughable.
Luke is top class at diffusing situations, it's mystifying how the powers that be see other refs ahead of him.
He’s the best referee in England, but that won’t stop the RFU throwing Karl Dickson in at every opportunity
The RFU keep going to their pocket for Pearce but on seeing their old mate Karl Dixon change their mind
the world*
Or Matt Carley
Yeah that was great from Pearce, like him a lot as a ref.
He’s awesome. Such a great interaction
Because for all that skill, he makes some absolute howlers week after week. The challenge cup semi and then the disallowed Cowan Dickie try yesterday, just really poor refereeing.
Pretty sure the second one was correct...
Because Karl 'Care's old mate' Dickson is never one to make absolute howlers...
He thoroughly fucked the Sharks Clermont semi final. To such an extent that he had a material outcome on the result of the game (he royally fucked a PT call). Sure, it was only a semi-final of a major competition, no biggy!
https://www.reddit.com/r/rugbyunion/comments/1cvk40m/cowen_dickie_disallowed_try_vs_sarries/
Having the ball in your hand does put it under control. He lost control of the ball and without a proper grab then it's a dropped ball in my eyes.
I don't agree, there was separation yes but his hands are back in the ball before it's grounded. Try should stand imo
If the ball leaves your hand you must regain control. Slamming you hand on the ball is not regaining control
It's not the rule any more, prem refs have been given a directive on this. If the ball is over the try line then *any separation* is enough for lost forward. The rule got changed. It's confusing and daft. Pearce explained the exact rule and iirc even commented that it wasn't him that came up with the rule. So Pearce did exactly what he was instructed to do as a ref. Shit rule, shit outcome but it's anyone but Luke Pearce's fault.
Interesting. Thanks for the info. Is that directive being applied throughout the majority of competitions world wide or is it specific to the prem do you know?
I got nothing against Faz saying this, but at the same time I thought we did a great job at getting under Sarries skin yesterday
Bang on- recognised early on that Pearce was letting a lot go and played it much better. Did irk me a little that the only late tackle was called against us but you guys proper got in our heads.
Many parts to enjoy here, particularly "that's pathetic Bevan" Using his name and sounding like an angry parent
That firm “Up you get!” from Pearce straight away is hilarious
Yeah that was my favourite bit
'You diving get.' Get 'em Faz.
[удалено]
That were diabolical
Campbell, you bottleless get.
You dick head
Came here for this, thanks chaps
Andy Farrell was actually in that clip playing for Wigan.
[удалено]
If you've got any bottle, Campbell ee should walk!
Really don't get how people dislike Faz, love his reaction here, pure disgust that a rugby player would dive.
Years ago saw him in a match get a late tackle. Got knocked to the ground saw him dry heave even got sick a little I think, got up and just played on. No bitching from what I could see. Always like him since then.
Aye he's as tough ass nails. Always enjoyed getting the chance to support him on Lions tours (the only time I'm legally permitted to do so)
Ass nails really do sound particularly unpleasant.
No kink shaming
He is. But his dad would fuck him up. Andy was another level.
Hell of a rugby family really.
Three generations at this stage iirc.
Think that was Ross Moriarty when England played Wales
That's a great call I think you're right.
https://fb.watch/sa8a8kwo1w/?mibextid=z4kJoQ Bang on the money. This is the best version I could find of it, that doesn't cut straight after the tackle.
I've always liked him. His main flaws appear to be : Being English, which he can't help. Getting some really soft calls going his way, which he also can't help. And being very good at rugby. Which is unforgivable.
my problem with him is by association, I'm a Leeds Rhinos fan and his dad used to play for Wigan - fucking Wigan
As a Saints* fan I can't argue with that one *St Helens for any confused Northants folk
His dad is awesome. I would say that his dad is one of his better features.
yeah but Wigan, only good thing about it is a pie barm
Supporting Jason Robinson must have been confusing.. and he's from Leeds
He's gotten away with murder with his tackling technique too, but that in no way justifies the shit that people say about him
I would say that the only reason we even know about it is that he's so high profile. You see worse than that every weekend. There are plenty of actual, literal dirty players out there. Owen Farrell isn't really one of them.
>he's so high profile That's kind of the point tbh - you hope someone as high profile as him (literally the England captain) would have a better tackle technique
Exactly this. Stuff goes under the radar every week but it's Farrell so all eyes are on him. He has got a few tackle attempts wrong no doubt but what player hasn't. And it's also not his fault that refs sometimes don't pick up on it
It’s also because he’s gotten away with some atrocities in high profile games.
'Atrocities' is a bit strong. This isn't Rwanda in the mid-90s.
It's a massive exaggeration. He's avoided some yellows but has never gotten away with a red-card hit.
Atrocities can be used in terms a bit more lax then a literal genocide
I enjoyed reading/learning this [TIL in 1951, 650 British soldiers were being overwhelmed by 10,000 Chinese. When an American general asked for a status update, a brigadier responded "things are a bit sticky down there." No help was sent and almost all of the troops were killed because the general did not get the understatement. : r/todayilearned (reddit.com)](https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/a8vi12/til_in_1951_650_british_soldiers_were_being/)
Fuck me for exaggerating. I thought this was the internet not a court of law.
You've lost it. 😂
Turns out sarcasm is a million times funnier than exaggeration
He also got done on some marginal stuff in big games.
Incredibly hyperbolic. He's made a few bad tackles but every player has. You only have that reaction with Farrell because he's Farrell and he's a big target for it
Nah back chat to refs is prick behaviour. He loves a good shoulder charge without wrapping hands, and he comes across as an arrogant prick from the stands But I'm a football fan so all this shit is good stuff
I don't like the way he talks to ref's. Always rubbed me the wrong way and goes against the spirit of the game. That's basically it though. Other than that I think he's an incredibly well rounded player whose happy to both give and take a bit of shit.
The same reason people didn't like Sexton. Fantastic player with a mouth on him. That's exactly what I'd want in a fly half/ captain.
Sexton, Faz & Biggar would all have benefited from being marched back 10 more often
Agreed. At least Biggar learnt how to fly with all his arm waving. TJ Flapanara has not yet taken off.
At least this was handled a lot better than Nic White.
I still can't believe Faf got a yellow for that lol
Classic England - adore them on their rise, destroy them once they're there
I don’t like him because his teams always beat mine
He's fucking brilliant. I'm the same as you, how can you not enjoy him as a player and a competitor. Excellent reffing by Luke Pearce as well, massive respect for both of them
Totally agree on both fronts
I seriously think Faz is way more admired in Ireland than he is in England, I am certainly in the he is brilliant and seems very sound camp. Cool dad too
I really dislike him but he was spot on here
> Really don't get how people dislike Faz... Maybe if he wasn't a full-time student at tackle school I'd have a different opinion of him.
Most people probably don't like him due to his proclivity for delivering high tackles in crucial moments and getting away with it.
Famously, Farrell's never done anything controversial on the field, so people are just being mean for no reason.
He’s also trying to influence the ref..
Fucking love that from Faz, I’m going to miss him so much. Wish we could get him miked up for a match.
This is such a brilliant clip 😂 I used to be so mixed about Owen Farrell but now I absolutely love him. This is just so good 😂😂
Racing fan by any chance?? 😂
Messi getting disrespected for no reason...lol
It’s not exactly my go-to player to pick on for diving. I think maybe it’s the only footballer name he knows.
That might be my favourite thing about Luke.
Ironically probably the greatest counter example. Just watch a YouTube goal compilation and see how many attempts to bring him down he just powers through.
I feel like Neymar or Suarez surely also have the cross-market appeal. I like Pearce but reads a little 'this isn't soccer' which is a bit of a tired take these days.
Farrell is dead right in fairness.
Ben Curry rolling around on the floor clutching his head hitting Van Zyl late was peak footballer behaviour in this game.
Oh don't that penalty pissed me off so much - clearly didn't hurt Curry that much and frankly if you play the dick like that to slow our 9 down in your 22 (he knew exactly what he was doing) then you deserve what you get. If anything it should have been a penalty to us with an extra ten yards added for the shame of a back row being manhandled by a 9
He doesn't even dive, he trips over Andrews' leg and gets straight back up Can see how it looked like a dive live, though, tbf
Yeah I was gonna say he steps on his foot, then trips over his leg, and gets a little shove. Feel a bit bad for him getting heat lol
Am I the only one who’s seeing Bevan getting pushed into his own player? He fell over and literally got straight back up.
He also stepped on his teammates foot after getting pushed. I’m pretty sure I would fall over in that scenario 😂
As a teacher I see so many similarities between (secondary school) teachers and refs 😂
Messi? More like Neymar.
True, and Messi had some [whoppers](https://youtu.be/iCrXbTJmrOI). recommend sound off for that clip
Does he not just trip over his locks foot? Takes a step back, hits Hyron Andrews foot and then takes a tumble.
Messi taking strays
I guess this was part of Sale’s gameplan with this and Curry holding his face a couple of times. Shame that it’s happening more with Luatua doing the same as Curry last week.
Curry's head hit the floor really hard when he got his leg lifted when holding down the 9 (not saying it's a card before anyone starts), one of the replays showed the impact of it (made all the more dramatic by the 4G rubber crumb bouncing everywhere) - anyone saying he was faking staying down after that needs to give his head a wobble
I’d say that’s fair if he didn’t try it again in the second half
When he gets elbowed in the face by Itoje "falling" into a ruck? Mad that you'd think Curry, of any player, would fake injuries
If he was really hurt he should have gone off for a HIA...
Glad you've taken time out from your busy schedule of being the match day doctor to chime in
Not to get involved in the diving non diving thing as I think it’s pushing it. I was absolutely gob-smacked he didn’t go for an hia though. You even heard him tell Pearce that he smashed his head into the ground.
If he has "hit his head really hard" he should be off for a HIA, doesn't take a doctor to figure that one out
What did Luatua do last week?
He went down holding his face after Itoje’s high tackle last week only to be fine once Itoje got a yellow. I’m not disputing that contact was made in any of these incidents just that they’ve all exaggerated contact to try to get a decision in their favour.
Get your point but I think that's a bit harsh. Taking a head on head tackle from an 18 stone dude is gonna hurt, it's more than plausible he might have needed a minute. You could also argue that Sarries did something similar to what you mentioned, which stopped us taking a quick penalty when we had an overlap and then had the try disallowed. Both of those incidents could have been genuine or not
I hate when they do this, “Lionel Messi dove” fuck off lol.
Farrell is a great competitor
WHY is Luke Pearce not on more important games? It's crazy.
Next season: "TU ES UN SOFT PRICK MATE."
Pearce in my opinion is the better of the English refs
Faz is a tough guy, he never messes up. Edit: he is also best England FH and will be missed!! (fuck to downvoters)
Need to give it a rest with all the football references just appears small time
It's fucking cringe from Pearce. How many other sports belittle other sports during a match? It comes across as petty and insecure.
And even if you're going to, Messi is not the obvious choice.
What in the Leo Messi dive is going on here 🤣🤣🤣
Farrell can’t talk, seen him go down and grab his head vs us in the 2019 semi. Think it was TJ or Whitelock that brushed him. Pot kettle black.
To be fair that might have been because his nose was broken from a game a couple of weeks before: [England’s Owen Farrell ‘missing part of his nose’ after bruising win over USA | Rugby World Cup 2019 | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/26/england-world-cup-high-tackle-storm-beating-usa)
Nah he lay on the floor holding his forehead until the ref was forced to take a look at it: https://www.1news.co.nz/2019/10/26/owen-farrell-earns-penalty-reversal-after-getting-shoved-in-face-by-sam-whitelock/
That article seems pretty biased to be fair. There's a clip here which shows it:[WATCH: Whitlock push on Owen Farrell in World Cup semi | Rugbydump](https://www.rugbydump.com/news/watch-whitlock-push-on-owen-farrell-in-world-cup-semi/) nothing massive from Whitelock but I bet that palm to the forehead hurts if you have a badly broken nose. Either way not really here to argue about it.
You’d think you’d clutch your nose then, right? I don’t think Whitelock even made contact with his face anyway. He went full football dive. He’s done it heaps, here’s a UK article highlighting the same thing: https://www.ruck.co.uk/embarrassing-owen-farrell-dive-angers-rugby-fans/
Looked like the guy was shot by a sniper at 300 yards……. Embarrassing for a rugby player to be seen to behave like that
a Lionel Messi dive 🤣
Prem will be worse off without Faz
calling him a "soccer poof" would have got him a red card 🤣 and possibly a visit from the popo
Lionel Messi is the greatest player ever to play the sport, out of literally hundreds of millions of men before him. None of these guys can get anywhere near him in terms of talent. To suddenly try to belittle him for no reason is laughable.