The Wrap - Time For Reform

1. FIFA have a lot to answer for. Fancy claiming to be 'The World Game' and consistently delivering stuff ups and referee errors. The Kewell send off was technically correct (if it had indeed hit his hand deliberately), but the inconsistency from one game to the next, from one referee to the next...of tackles from behind, etc is ridiculous. It is hard not to get the impression that if you are NOT a European country you can live with a rough decision...or two...or three...Blatter is a clown. Video ref surely should be in place. Let's watch for a monumental goal line dispute or a hand ball in a semi...

2. What about the weather in South Africa? Blazing sun every day. Blaring horns every other day. Pretty good. Must be due for rain at the finals time. Look for the SCG Trust to ban those horns, sunshine and fun this summer.

3. NRL. Hard to believe that the full story has been told with the Tahu issue. The thought of it being resolved through the Equal Opportunity Human Rights Commissioner sounds a bit overblown. The stand has been made, milking it could backfire.

4. In the modern sporting context, has any team actually done any better since the advent of nutritionists, suit wearing blokes with fancy glasses and clipboards, forwards and backs coaches, specialist coaches for scrums, halves, kicking, farting, multiple trainers and 'staff' who seem to be on the gravy train? In rugby when there was a coach, manager and a doctor, we actually did better. Are they necessary - or is it the best way to keep the coach in a job? The cost of getting rid of the lot makes him more secure?

5. AFL. Richmond are hitting their straps (at long last) and a young West Coast side look good things for the future. They ran out of legs v the Western Bulldogs who were under the pump till half time. Port are shot. North remain tough. In between there is any number of boofheads who are trying to make AFL a joke. Fancy Dipper handing out racial insults? Should have started with their drug policy.

6. Cricket. Can anyone explain why a one day series in England at this time of the year is important? Maybe we may get a World Cup out of it one day after India have squeezed every cent out of the game and 10-10 is the next big thing.

7. Rugby. Giteau's miss and smile in front could be a source of investigation by the Pakistani Cricket Board. He will get a permanent ban forever under those standards. Good to see a few penalties from yet another over zealous referee right at the death with a couple of minutes left on the clock. That is vintage rugby. (By the way, have a look at Invictus if you haven't already...Lomu looks soft unfortunately).

8. NRL. Does anyone get the impression that teams like Penrith, Tigers and Rabbits - all of whom may make the semis - will get run out of team quick smart when that happens. They lack a toughness and flair when the whips are cracking. Dragons should be at 1.01.