Not sure it’s that clear cut at all. It makes no logical sense to do it when we’re two down. If the kick was to win or even square it, I’d be more inclined to think it was deliberate.
I can’t see us doing it, knowing this would be the reaction — all for the small chance of a 40m+ field goal instead of a try, which I think was the far more likely outcome given the game.
Also if you want to put a kicker off. The best time to do it is to distract them while in process of striking the ball.
Doing it before the player has moved towards the ball shouldn’t have any effect on a kicker.
Campbell gets to reset and do everything uninterrupted. Realistically what was attempted to be gained (distracting him) should be gone since they can restart their kick process. Which players should be used to having to wait before doing. They regularly stand their for minutes at a time with the referee waiting to confirm kick is good to go.
That’s not to say the trainer suspension and fine aren’t justified. Fine him. Sack him. Do whatever is necessary. If our club sets the precedent for future punishments that’s fine. Hopefully we don’t have any trainer issues again. it just looks so amateur for shit that really doesn’t give us any advantage for it to be worthwhile. atleast not the incidents this year.