Nigel Owens reveals the BIGGEST refereeing decisions he had to make | Whistle Watch

[@blizzard6053]

Nigel reffing the Springboks vs ABs. CONFIRMED!!!

[@erasmuschinhema1082]

Please don't be playing with my feelings 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@WorldRugby]

#AnnounceNigel - if only! What are your predictions for the Rugby Championship?

[@blizzard6053]

@@WorldRugby heart says the springboks but my head says All blacks

[@erasmuschinhema1082]

This is going to be a tough one, but Springboks all the way and it will be very close!

[@dr.curryputshersexyglasses4317]

Last time that happen the South Africans said he was too base towards the All Blacks.

[@cornelusschoeman9304]

World Rugby! Get Owens to that SA v ABs test. Please!

[@johanvanzyl8479]

100 th match please get Nigel. Only chance we have to enjoy the match.

[@acchaladka]

Because we'll almost all be crapping our shorts or crying for long parts of the match, no matter who we support?

[@chadalexander8722]

Hi Gary(RSA) - Sir Nigel Owen , what a humbled , honest too goodness person.Professional , consitent , almost flawless.What a man , what a ref.I salute u. Come on rugby world body , honour Nigel 100TH ( NZ vs RSA)

[@gamewithwayne4831]

Thanks World Rugby for the shout out that was really cool 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@WorldRugby]

Have you got any more questions for Nigel?

[@manuelreis9793]

Here's a question for Nigel! I'm from Portugal and I was wondering if Nigel thinks the unpopular rugby countries can surprise everyone like Uruguay did at the World Cup and in the future grow to the next level and be on top! Thank you, I love this program, keep it up

[@ETime97]

I serternly hope Portugal makes it to the world cup again soon

[@romanalejandro1979]

I still remember their match against the All Blacks in the 2007 RWC in France. Greetings from Argentina

[@Samizouza]

They definitely can and it's possible as unknowns, would also be good to see Portugal again since 2007.

[@WorldRugby]

We love nation growth! What's your favourite rugby memory and what are you most excited for going forward?

[@manuelreis9793]

@@WorldRugby @World Rugby I really can't choose a rugby memory, but in case of Portugal the try against the all blacks at the WC was legendary for all the supporters cause we just had amateurs players at the time! I hope we can make it to the WC again soon

[@SuperJemser]

Nigel's videos are the most relaxing to watch. No airs and graces, just plain simple talk and good explanations. Nice one Nigel.

[@keithallardice6139]

Love this series, so nice to see Nigel and hear his opinions/thoughts and reactions .. and wouldn't we ALL love to see Nigel back to ref SA vs NZ!!!

[@ronellecoetzer2850]

You’re a brilliant referee. Keep up the good referee work. 👍

[@WorldRugby]

Brilliant referee, brilliant presenter, brilliant pundit - what can't this man do?

[@kenspedding4594]

Greatest rugby referee ever - from an England fan, best wishes for the future.

[@shaunbarnard6904]

@worldrugby start a poll and see how many people would like to see Nigel ref the 100th test between Springboks v All Black's? Would love that to happened if possible.

[@iancockcroft9427]

When N.O. first started reffing springbok games, there was a collective groan when we found out he was the ref. But now we love him. The LEGEND needs to part of the other 2 LEGENDS 100th game.

[@danielburges8176]

I love this little feature, keep it up!

[@thebiglad6163]

Question: should blocking a player from charging down a box kick be classed as an obstruction.

[@pierremaree2669]

Nigel, would you ever come to South-Africa for a vacation and maybe teach our local school coaches a few things? Love the show!

[@WorldRugby]

Do you have any questions for Nigel? Let us know in the comments below and we will make sure to ask him the best ones!

[@kutendamakwamaya977]

Nigel, I have A Question for You. Which Match Official have you Officiated with Has been the worst and which one was the best.

[@Madhav-kg7rs]

Love from India ❤❤

[@christotaljaard7984]

Very good ref this man!

[@misterg8999]

How many of Rassie's call's did you agree with in his breakdown?

[@michaelkeyes12]

How long did it take for you to learn most of the tricks that players would use to cheat the system?

[@silmarienprince3137]

10,000 people desend on the club 😆! Amazing as always

[@WorldRugby]

Interesting, do you think it's a big problem in the game, people trying to fool the ref/system?

[@michaelkeyes12]

@@WorldRugby It depends on the level of play. When I was referring in the 70s and 80s, a lot of problems were due to the Laws being too ambiguous and the fact that most games had one referee and two drunks manning the touch line. At the highest levels players test the boundaries of the referee’s ability to see what is going on, but with TV and professional linesmen, that is getting harder to do and get away with it. (They still test the limits, however, these are professional players after all.). The newer laws made issues such as lifting and offsides much easier to monitor and the education of refs is far better than in my day. At the highest levels players are coached better and know the laws much better. Human ingenuity knows no bounds it seems, so cheating or coming very close is still going to happen because of the raised stakes of the game. I’ll also point out that if they are being successful, then the system does not know it yet.

[@Wolfsong27FlyHalfFullHeart]

The amber card should definitely not be introduced otherwise the players can just get away with saying oh it was an accident i elbowed him😑 come on, a red card offence is an offence not matter if you meant it or not

[@murrayleckie4937]

ABs v Boks 100th now being played in North Queensland .Generally a warm dry place. Prior to being rescheduled that match was guaranteed as dry as the match was to be played under the roof in Dunedin. Which incidentally was venue of the very first test match between these great rivals. ABs by 10 just like back in 2019 WC pool round !

[@ykskes2561]

Love wistle watch ♥️♥️

[@WorldRugby]

Thanks for watching!

[@douglaswright2143]

This is brilliant stuff!

[@jujujarlo]

Hi Nigel, question(s) for you: which match you'd have loved to ref (but didn't) and which one you maybe wished you hadn't refereed (in hindsight). Cheers from Rome, Italy. Ugo

[@Bobbydyland]

Holey ship, Nigel read my comment! I'm gonna have to share this vid with everyone I've ever met, now!

[@luanopperman9126]

Here is a question nigel how would you feel if cheslin colbe steps you if you tried to tackle him??

[@oliversimpson88]

Hello Nigel. Big fan, I have two questions for you. 1. Can a referee take back their decision of a red card, for example when Wayne Barnes got his cards mixed up and awarded a red instead of a yellow. Could this be taken back? 2nd. When a penalty is awarded after a try scored and the conversion has taken place; where does the penalty happen along the halfway line? Also, it's a shame you were not picked to referee South Africa vs New Zealand next month.

[@dmmtrck6310]

I'm only seeing this today. A year after it was posted...I would love to see you come out of retirement for the Rugby World Cup. Thumbs up from others here who agree with me. 👍👍

[@amdcagme]

Who were you’re favourite referrees to work with in a game?

[@WorldRugby]

Referee's society 🥳 Who are your favourite officials?

[@Joe_Kennedy_Lynch]

I’m watching this on the 26th of October 2023 SA vs NZ very relevant bid ya know ya know

[@sachinbangaru737]

Awww yeah beers on Nigel 😎

[@Aiden_P]

I've got a question. When Jaden Hendrikse was injured in the second Springboks vs Argentina game, how come the Springboks had to play a man down?

[@mikewillemse3761]

do you think that there are too many rules in rugby now days? The high tackle rule is very difficult to interpret and be consistent......how do you stop a forward that puts his head down and drives forward 5 m from the goal line? Make contact with the head first, refer to TMO and 5 minutes later a penalty against the tackler. If a ball is in control and crosses the goal line try... eliminate lengthy tom decisions

[@DrCrabfingers]

Awesome.

[@andrewwyndham4502]

Hi Nigel Question, if a small player was trying to score a try and say 5m out and a large playing was going to tackle him before the line, if he jumped into the air before contacts was made, would the player be allowed to tackle him btw great program and i'm most likely not always fair on refs, but must say when i saw your name down to ref my SA team, I was really relieved, as i knew we were in for a fair game, wished you were still a ref. all the best

[@muhammadnanabhay1861]

Hi Nigel! Was there ever a game that you watched and were relieved you were not officiating it?

[@WorldRugby]

There's been a few games I've been watching and I'm glad I wasn't refereeing them. I think one of them would have been that quarter-final at Twickenham between Scotland and Australia in the World Cup in 2015, where, you know, it was just impossible for the referee that day to see exactly what had happened. It's just one of those things that could have happened to any other referee, I was sitting there, thinking to myself, I’m glad I’m not refereeing that game. - Nigel Owens

[@pietekoo5559]

I would like to know about the scrum. Sometimes a frontrow clearly slips on muddy field and goes down, but gets penalized for collapse. Why if ut was not intentional?

[@Zomo1553]

You don’t have to purposely collapse the scrum to be penalised. If your prob is in a poor body position and slips then he will be penalised for endangering everyone else. I’m convinced most refs don’t know what’s going on in scrums

[@Joe_Kennedy_Lynch]

2:51 easier way of putting it get tackled by a bear or tackle a bear 😂

[@Tehui1974]

What year was this interview?

[@cliffcarelse466]

Nigel, which country do you enjoy the most visiting

[@WorldRugby]

You know, I really do enjoy them all. I love going to Italy and France. The food is lovely. Obviously the rugby as well. Ireland, I love going to, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia. They’re just all very different. It’s honestly it's difficult for me to decide on a country. But if I have to choose one, I’ll go for South Africa and Cape Town. I love going to Cape Town. - Nigel Owens

[@matthewbrislin6264]

Question for Nigel - What is your best advice for a new referee ? What are the main areas to focus on ?

[@WorldRugby]

Enjoy it. It's really important to enjoy it. It's not for everybody. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. And my biggest advice would be learn from those mistakes. Be honest. Hold your hand up and say, yeah, you know, I got that wrong, or next time I'll give a different decision. Always be fair. Always be honest. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Learn from those mistakes and enjoy it. - Nigel Owens

[@rbrooke2379]

I've always wondered about the scrums! I don't think the refs have no idea what is going on, but I know that *I* have no idea.

[@FrannB]

I see Argentina I click!

[@omhmanaher5083]

I see Lavanini I see argentina with 14

[@WorldRugby]

Hey! 🇦🇷 What do you think of Los Pumas' chances in The Rugby Championship after a tough weekend?

[@TC-sm8rc]

@@WorldRugby very slim chances for the argies now. I am looking forward to the wallabies matchup with the boks. If the wallabies beat the all blacks in perth then their tails will be wagging in a mouth watering game against the boks.

[@Janeedsleep12345]

I have more or an invitation for Nigel please come to Galway for dinner and a chat ❤

[@acchaladka]

Honestly curious, maybe this is a conversation for you to have with SquidgeRugby but what do you think needs to be done to guarantee second tier teams are growing and improving and can compete in the men's game at the highest levels? And separately, in the women's game? I'm in Canada so i feel this question keenly. Cheers buddy. :)

[@WorldRugby]

A couple of questions have come in asking this will be sure to ask! In the meantime, do you have a favourite Canada rugby moment?

[@acchaladka]

@@WorldRugby not really, it's all been disappointment and heartbreak. Maybe the men's team last-second win in the Vancouver Sevens two years ago?

[@scottgraham3682]

Nigel what do you think about the captain call

[@Samizouza]

My question for nigel would be: what's it like finding yourself on the wrong side of a tackle or pass not intended for you? 😁

[@sebastiansuppes6565]

Are you ever worried that Wales will run out of competent rugby players because you've inspired all of them to referee?

[@milly7041]

What do you make of the most recent all blacks wallabies game where Jordie Barrett got a red card when he was in the air and extended his front foot and the wallaby player ran into it?

[@lyellclare9365]

Hi. A fan from NZ here . The two tries that the Boks scored in the second test against Argentina, did the Boks obstruct defenders prior to the try being scored. In the first try 3 backs ran at the 3 defenders and got in their way as the ball was passed behind them. in the second try 3 players broke away from the front of the maul over the try line and the player behind them scored untouched but not bound to any player.

[@skisikivou8624]

Your views on the Red card issued to Fiji player on London sevens final, about 2 minutes in to the game, Please.

[@sanjaysami4315]

Greatest ref ever !

[@budpeetie6879]

Firsts rounds on you? I'm flying over quick from South Africa.

[@davidgibbon1020]

one of if not the best rugby refs in the world IMHO but guess a fair few will disagree as to the scrum i would argue their (refs) checklist does not include the 'put in' i've yet too see any scrum half put the ball in straight, 'down the middle' in rugby (internationals and premiership) it is always 'crooked' almost 'feeding the second row' and the 'hooker' almost always has their striking foot off the ground (difficult i know as opposition will wait for this then push/shove) as an ex middle front row man unless the laws have changed i can tell you this is illegal (it is termed 'as foot up') as it denies your opposite number of having a fair attempt at a strike/getting the ball. bit like 'dummying the 'throw-in' at a lineout

[@Wide-eye]

Nigel, in my opinion you have the world record of mis management in a rugby game. W Cup 2019 NZ v Ireland, NZ made 79 penalize able mistakes. Semi final NZ v Eng. Wales had lost to SA, now you had a chance to ref the final and had to impress Sir Beaumont and co. Total U-turn - Eng in first half made 29 penalize able mistakes and only penalized once. Second half Eng at least 17 mistakes. Worst, just before Tuilagi's try Itoje and Curry entered ruck from side, dived in, not support own weight. Six reasons for penalty to NZ, yet you awarded the try ???????

[@Wolfsong27FlyHalfFullHeart]

Here a question for you Nigel, which upcoming team did you enjoy refereeing? My favourite is the Japanese Cherry blossoms 🌸🌸🌸 I’ve watched them beat the springboks back in Brighton in 2015 and followed them since.

[@WorldRugby]

Great question! The Cherry Blossoms are such a popular team for neutral sides so interesting to see what Nigel says here! Keep an eye on the next ep!

[@rhodrijenkins102]

Hate the football pitch next to pontyberem rugby club. Ball always gets into the river

[@michaelnewton-ellis9773]

Nigel . what are your views on rugby league?

[@lomban7]

You must found NO’s Referee University

[@TC-sm8rc]

What do referee's win or recieve for officiating in a rugby world cup semifinal or final?

[@daansuierveld5420]

How do you name your cows? Greetings from The Netherlands.

[@WorldRugby]

Yeah, they're all named. Obviously the prefix of the herd name is Mairwen, named after my mum. So every cow or bull here will be Mairwen something. For example, there's Mairwen Georgia and Mairwen Daffodil. I tend to name the heifer calves, the female calves after the mother.So if a mother is Mairwen Daffodil, then the calf will be Mairwen Daffodil the second and so on. - Nigel Owens

[@TC-sm8rc]

Has any international rugby player presented you with their game day jersey after a match you have referee'd?

[@WorldRugby]

A lot of stick and abuse! No, you don’t get anything for refereeing semi-final, because I reffed the semi-final in 2019. I got presented with a golden whistle after the World Cup final in 2015 and then you get presented with like a tie the country, they give you a memento or something for officiating in the World Cup itself. - Nigel Owens

[@michaelmccarthy9411]

How can you have a neutral venue at home?

[@thefalteringfullback]

Back to his old club and has an orange juice 😂

[@clarinetmusic9990]

NZ will win the Rugby Championship

[@MrCano2007]

Why do you always help the strongest team? Thanks in advance.

[@nelsonbenjamin4754]

I BETH u wouldn't be tackled by EBEN😂😂😂

[@warandlore6869]

Red card disadvantage for everyone except the All black they play even better then

[@demon1954]

Please will you come out of retirement to properly referee a season of English Premier League soccer? When managers realise they are losing games because you take appropriate actions against the cheats, actors and whingers, the game would massively improve.

[@fantabaz1]

What are you drinking Nigel?

[@morgannel4419]

Do you gym? You look quite big.

[@Poweroftouch]

🤣🤣