Yeah I agree with you about the referee crowding.
I have played btw. I have the nose to prove it. I also spent a long time, 3 seasons, with the RAF team (photographing them, not playing lol). My nephew played for Northampton Saints. Lovely lad, turned into a total psycho when he played.
I still don't get it, and I still prefer football. I also figured out why the RAF got mullered almost every game back then too. Meet up day before, get pissed, train a bit, play, get pissed. Other 2 teams met up weeks before, proper nutrition, proper training etc. Still, was a laugh.
Horses for courses really I guess. I have American mates who absolutely love Baseball, I never got that either. They can't stand cricket, but I love spending a day watching it. Actually cricket is a better example of sportsmanship and respect, if you ignore the sledging.
Purposely punching someone in the face, biting them, or scraping studs down someone is not a shining example of sportsmanship. Of course it's a physical game, testosterone dripping everywhere, huge guys, it's simply part of the game.
I'm not overly keen on boxing either, which might explain why I don't like rugby too much
I am however hugely impressed with the way this RWC has been set up and run.