Springbok Mokoena suspended for six weeks

[Omac]

http://www.supersport.co.za/rugby/article.aspx?id=237246

Former Springbok Sevens captain Jonothan Mokoena has been suspended for six weeks after shoving the referee during and allegedly also after the semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand in the Dubai leg of the IRB Sevens World Series on Saturday.

The actions of Mokuena probably stem from the frustration of a series of inexplicable decisions by inexperienced Fijian referee James Bolabiu.

Whatever the frustrations, Mokuena should regard himself as fortunate for what must be regarded as a lenient suspension. The usually placid Cheetahs No 8, who was released by the Super 14 franchise for the first two IRB tournaments, first shoved Bolabiu early in the second half during a break for a Mokuena blood injury.

This is going to make it difficult to win in George because Mzwandile Stick is also out with a shoulder injury.

http://www.supersport.co.za/rugby/a...ants sevens ref situation looked at&id=237760

The after-effects of the poor quality of referees and touch judges during the International Rugby Board's (IRB) Sevens world series are often felt elsewhere and it is time for action to be taken in the right quarters.
This is the opinion expressed on Thursday by Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu on the eve of the IRB's second tournament in the series at George.

As it happens, Treu lost one of his star players, Jonathan Mokuena, last week after Mokuena vented his frustration on the referee during the IRB tournament in Dubai.

Even though Treu isn't defending Mokuena's conduct, he says he can understand the frustration players feel when referees repeatedly make mistakes. He believes the Sevens series cannot be used as an incubator for developing referees.

I wonder what sanction the dismal referees get? The IRB msut shoulder some responsibilty here for using 7's as a development ground for ref's. That's what it looks like anyway.

All that said, it was disgraceful conduct by Mokuena and he is fortunate to get away with 6 weeks!

 

[Soulsnatcher]

Very fortunate! Although, the final btw fiji an nz were also riddled with ref mistakes especially the "winning" score from nz. That was a blatant knck on!!!! Fiji was also pissed during and after the game.

Ref should also get performance reviews and stripped of int. matches for # weeks that justify the outcome of the game. Send them back to ref club games or something...

 

[Napalm]

i think, like with anyone in training. There is usually the "Pro" and then the "student or trainee".

So maybe if a ref is still in "training" , they must have a Pro on the sideline. To confirm over a walkie talkie or over earpiece that the decision is the same one he would make.

Specially on these bigger games, like small world cup , and then also the big international games.

I would say its only fair, people pay big money to go watch these games. !!