There is skulduggery and genius in our rugby midst. That is the trouble with having complex laws and smart coaches who are always trying to find that professional edge. Are the players all Australian cricketers in disguise? No, but “streetwise dark arts” have always been part of our game. 

At the same time, the understanding of how to bend the rules has also created genuine innovation and advancement in the game. Before I go any further, let me say that referees are doing a great job. They have to police more than 30 blokes who are twice their size, all of whom are running around trying to steal a ball, smuggle a ball, hide a ball, all the while looking at lawbooks and trying to figure out ways...