A big concern is that there have been different sets of ELVs, a hybrid version and a global version. Officially the hybrid rules have 16 variations, the global rules 13. The major difference is that at the breakdown, the hybrid rules – seen throughout the Tri-Nations, Currie Cup and ANZC – award a free kick, whereas the global rules – played in the north and throughout the autumn internationals – give a penalty for ruck infringements.

Even though the IRB and O’Brien neglect and refuse to mention why, I believe that the ruck – arguably the key aspect of rugby union – is the focus of these new laws. 

But the ruck is an issue and as clear as mud.  All manner of coaches, from provincial to international, are having problems with refereeing interpretations. Most recently, Rob Andrew is asking the IRB for clarification regarding England’s four yellow cards against the All Blacks. This follows the pattern set by coaches Peter de Villiers of South Africa, Jack Isaac of Biarritz and Dean Richards of Harlequins. 

The most consistent complaint is different interpretations by different referees week to week. If one week players can collapse on the ruck (a basic tactic to shield ball), but then the next week are penalised for it, what do they do the following week?

 Over 70% of infringements are based at the ruck. Worst of all, there are contradictory levels of punishment for various offences.  Some referees issue yellow cards, some refuse to explain the problem, and others have a pigeon-holed view of how the game should be played.

So since the IRB and O’Brien continue to behave like children and provide no lucidity (the referees' Lensbury conference was held in early November; have we heard any results from it - no), I will attempt to come up with very simple solutions to our problems.

Be obvious

Let the coaches meet with the referee as a compulsory course before a game.  Let the official explain clearly what he will be looking for, and what he will be harsh on.

Issue clear mandates

One IRB concern was that the ball was being fed into the scrum crooked – this was enforced by O’Brien. They all do it but have we seen any officials penalise teams for this? If you say such a thing, back it up on the field. Trust me, the players will quickly get the point.

If you have an international conference, let’s tell players and fans alike what the results are.

Enforce the basic laws – and tell the players from the first minute

ELVs, global, hybrid, whatever! There are basic tenets to rugby union. If you leave your feet or are on the ground, you are out of the game – is one of the principle laws. How often do we see players do this? When you are tackled, you must release the ball, and so on.

From the first ruck, if need be, call the captains and tell them how you intend to police. Rugby for all its complications is beautiful when it flows. 

Warn, then issue cards

Cards are the best way for players to listen. But make sure they know why, and make sure it is done if the game is not being played properly of fairly. 

Ensure captains can question

It must be the right of the captain to question the official. Referees should not tell captains to just walk away. If a team is being penalised, explain why. If they do it again, be firmer, but then if it continues, follow the previous directive. But a captain must be able to enquire and communicate.

Make referees accountable

O’Brien, don’t back up every referee irrespective of their performance. If they do something wrong, make sure it is known, privately or publicly that it is wrong. Otherwise, who is correcting the referees? Are they being debriefed and told their mistakes?

If it’s not cardinal, let it go

Remember referee, it is a game, and a game is to be watched. If it’s not really affecting the game or is not affecting one team negatively, let it go - and let us watch. Because while Paddy O’Brien might not want it to be, we want the game to be more entertaining.