The 2024 Autumn Nations Series is right around the corner, kicking off on Saturday, November 2, with a high-octane clash between England and New Zealand, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
But there’s more to talk about than just the matchups – the big headline? A controversial new law set to shake up the game.
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Red… but not quite red?
In a move that’s turning heads in Northern Hemisphere rugby, referees will now be able to hand out a 20-minute red card for unintentional foul play. Sounds light? Well, after sitting out for 20 minutes, a replacement can hop on and fill the gap.
But before you think players are getting off easy, the regular red card for dangerous or deliberate foul play is still there to send offenders packing for good.
The twist nobody saw coming
World Rugby insists this isn’t the same as the 20-minute red card trial still up for review later this year. Clear as mud, right? Apparently, it’s designed to keep games balanced while still punishing reckless actions. But that hasn’t stopped confusion from swirling – fans aren’t sure what to make of it.
Nigel Owens isn’t having it
Rugby’s legendary former ref, Nigel Owens, isn’t pulling punches when it comes to the new law.
“I’m against the 20-minute red card because if you’ve been sent off, you’ve done something reckless that has put another player at great risk, or you’ve committed an act of thuggery. A red card means you deserve to be off the pitch, so I don’t see why there should be a middle ground,” Owens said.
“In my view, having a 20-minute red card is a cop-out. It’s simply papering over the cracks when the discussion that really needs to be had is defining exactly what constitutes a red card offence and what doesn’t. That would be far more constructive for the game of rugby.”
Owens wasn’t convinced that the new system made any real impact during its earlier trials. “Plus, we didn’t see any real changes in player behaviour when it was trialled this summer, including at the Rugby Championship. There is still a lot of careless, reckless conduct out there, so I don’t know if introducing these new cards has made much of a difference anyway.”
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NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
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