Wynne Gray: People who play fast and loose

Loose forwards are among the best cheats in rugby; it is an implicit part of their job description.

Every time they hit the breakdown they begin a separate game of brinkmanship with the referee.

If they have done their homework they will know how much leeway they will get from certain match officials, how long they can spend attacking the ball-carrier or supporting a team-mate who has the precious possession.

The tackled-ball zone is one of the most perplexing areas in an often-bewildering sport, where New Zealanders such as Richie McCaw, Marty Holah, Daniel Braid, Ben Herring and Josh Blackie earn their Super 12 coin.

McCaw heads that group and is one of the best flankers in the world. When he plays for the All Blacks, we overlook what misdemeanours he incurs if he can snaffle vital ball.

His reactions are so quick, his timing so sure and athleticism so adept that he tests the eyesight and judgment of all the top whistlers.

Like Josh Kronfeld, his national predecessor, McCaw has developed a blink-of-an-eye routine where he tackles an opponent, rides him to the ground and then uses the ball to lever himself back to his feet, then he gives the impression his opponent will not release the ball.

In fact, McCaw has not allowed his opponent to release the ball at any stage, but the flanker is usually good enough or smart enough to pick his moments.

But you have to wonder about his work in the last two games for the Crusaders.

Against the Reds and the Blues he was a victim of rucking which drew a citing and subsequent suspension for Daniel Heenan, a sending-off for Ali Williams and citings for David Gibson and Sam Tuitupou.

Those incidents make you wonder if McCaw is getting too much latitude from the referees because of his world-best reputation.

It is rugby's version of Bob Woolmer's theory that the Australian cricket team enjoy a disproportionate success with lbw decisions because of their status.

Sean Fitzpatrick got away with plenty during his illustrious career, George Gregan continues to work the referees big-time and maybe McCaw is doing the same because of his prestige.

Saturday's flare-up at Eden Park was absorbing from many points of view, especially after comments that referee Paddy O'Brien made to the Herald on the eve of the game.

"My hobbyhorse is quick ball at the tackle," he said.

"That is not negotiable. The key thing is to get the tackler out of the road."

There were several skirmishes involving McCaw before the final set-to and Williams' dismissal.

Did O'Brien act quickly enough at the breakdowns to enforce the rights of a team in possession?

Was the Blues' rucking exasperation a sign of their frustration with the result or the lack of clarity from O'Brien?

And if McCaw was holding the ball on the wrong side of the ruck, as he admitted, how else were the Blues supposed to shift him or the ball?

He works in a high-risk area where his pain threshold will tell him his limits and where he also deserves both penalty and protection.

Just as long as he saves the next citing or dismissal for the Lions.

* The hearing on the three cited Blues players has been delayed by fog at Wellington Airport.

The three were due to appear yesterday but will now face a Sanzar judiciary committee in Wellington today.