Sports Letters: Over the edge

Sir: Steve Bale asks the question of who is to blame for the fact that England only lose in the Five Nations when French or Anitipodean referees are in charge. The answer is surely the England management.

The most useful skill in the modern game at international level appears to be the ability to play to the very edge of the rules. Given that it is easier to interpret the views of British referees on a week- in, week-out basis, the encouragement given by the management to the players to go to the edge and, maybe, beyond will inevitably lead to a percentage of games where the ploy comes unstuck, and most likely in those games where there is an unfamiliar refereeing style.

Yours,

RICHARD DARNELL

St Albans, Herts

4 May