Odd Socks & Big Calls

Odd Socks & Big Calls

From Play On : the rugby referee podcast by Candace Barritt

May 5, 2026 · 53 min · Season 3 · Episode 15

About this episode

The episode discusses various rugby topics including mental health, match officiating, and recent game analyses.

Canadce, Rob and Pearcey are back talking all things rugby. Oh, and yes… May the Fourth was strong. Rugby News: Mental Health Round brought the odd socks energy, and don’t forget- you can nominate your grassroots legends for the Harvey Norman monthly awards. W6N returns this weekend, TRC U20s are underway, and there’s plenty of chatter around Daniel Botha’s suspension- tough call, but ultimately on him. On the Field Super Rugby delivered a mixed bag. Reds v Brumbies saw Frost pushing skyscraper status at blindside, while Moana v Blues gave us set-piece creativity but questionable counter-attack smarts. Gus kept Sid honest on goal-kicking duties too. U20s & Match Official Focus Plenty to unpack: high tackle frameworks, maul collapses, and deliberate knockdowns all under the microscope. Key takeaway? Head contact + upright tackler = trouble, but mitigation still matters. And yes- even uncontested lineouts still need to be straight. Stat Central: Red Roses’ goal-kicking remains elite Appointments & Golden Whistle: Big shoutout to Jess Ling- W6N debut and this week’s Golden Whistle winner. Law of the Week Maul definitions- because apparently we still need them (thanks…

People in this episode

Host: Candace Barritt

Guests: Rob, Pearcey

Topics covered

  • rugby
  • mental health
  • match officiating
  • goal-kicking
  • grassroots awards
  • super rugby analysis

Keywords

  • rugby news
  • mental health round
  • high tackle frameworks
  • goal-kicking
  • grassroots legends
  • Super Rugby
  • U20s
  • maul definitions

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Harvey Norman, Red Roses, Moana, Blues, Brumbies, Reds, W6N, TRC U20s, Acast

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