But then southern hemisphere teams are more skilful than their northern hemisphere counterparts, which means games can be easier to referee.

But then southern hemisphere teams are more skilful than their northern hemisphere counterparts, which means games can be easier to referee.

Coaches do so much research about a referee because they believe refereeing is such a crucial part of the game that the result may hinge on what we say or do. They probably know more about me than I know myself!

The scrum and the tackle are the two really contentious areas of the game. If you get those two aspects right, most rugby matches will work in your favour.

My job is to persuade people to toe the line and play within the laws of the game.

If at first you don't succeed, get a bigger hammer.

I could give 48 penalties in every match if I wanted to. It is a question of sometimes choosing what is - in your own mind - of material importance and what isn't, what might be a crucial potential penalty and what might not be.