It seems to me that one way teams are trying to counter our blitz defence is to string out a number of players in advance of the line of backs waiting to receive the ball.  The 10 offers a dummy to the standing-up player than sends it off down the advancing line behind him.  Of course, the players in front then do whatever they can to not quite obstruct the players running up on the blitz.

The Law says “In general play, a player is offside if the player is in front of a team mate who is carrying the ball … and is temporarily out of the game. Such players are liable to be penalised if they take part in the game. This means the player must not play the ball or obstruct an opponent.” If one of these players is between a blitzing player and the ball carrier, he seems to hold his hands up – it seems to me he has an obligation to get out of the way or get penalised … but the referee seldom does this. 

Secondly, there was one piece of commentary where the referee said to the LI Captain “This is the third time that one of your players has targeted a Wasps player away from the ball”.  It is quite clear on the commentary. Why weren’t all three of these players shown a yellow card?  As well as being cheap shots, it is foul play! I was very annoyed at this attitude by the official. Thoughts?

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