During a recent media briefing, Henning highlighted the complexity of the tackle phase, which sees between 180 to 220 instances per match. "There’s a lot that's happening at the tackle, and that’s a phase of play that happens the most on the pitch," he explained.
"The decision-making around that phase is hugely important."
Henning pointed out five key factors that referees must consider in mere seconds at the tackle: the tackler’s actions, the ball-carrier, players entering the fray off their feet, side entries, and the ball-carrier's grip on the ball. "The tackle is an absolute focus always for us," he added.
Attention is also being directed towards the set-pieces and aerial duels. Henning's goal is to maintain the game's flow and structure by ensuring that players remain upright, which facilitates continuous play and minimizes the need for scrum resets and collapses.
"Our contribution as match officials is to bring structure to a game so players can be on their feet to play," stated Henning. He added that managing scrum engagements and resets effectively is crucial for a safe and dynamic match. The aerial contests, he noted, are critical in terms of possession and subsequent attacks.
Foul play, offside rulings, and effective scrum management are pivotal, according to Henning, as these aspects greatly influence the game's development and enjoyment. "Foul play is always important, but that shows itself," he remarked.
Ultimately, Henning's directives for the officiating crews are clear: enhance the game's quality by focusing on key areas that keep the players actively engaged. The overarching aim is to foster an environment where rugby can be played safely and enjoyably, with fewer interruptions and more action.
As the URC season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these focuses impact the games and whether the flow of play improves as intended.
