THE TYNEDALE FLANKER TAKES US THROUGH HIS PET HATES FROM THE RUGBY WORLD AND BEYOND
1. Play-acting footballers
I'd like to put in footballers who try to act tough while playing yet if there's the slightest bit of contact, they fall to the floor pretending to be hurt and put on an Oscar-winning performance. There have been instances in recent seasons where this has happened in the top levels of rugby, but I haven't come across it in the National Leagues, not at the moment anyway, and I hope I never do. Play hard and fair and share a drink afterwards is my ethos!
TRP VERDICT: Who are we to cry foul, Ben? Take a bow, not a dive and get yourself in Room 101.
2. Traffic jams
No-one likes them and they always occur when you're in a rush to be somewhere. I used to try and duck in and out of the traffic into what I thought would be a quicker lane and even leave the road and rejoin it later on in attempt to beat the jams. Nowadays, I'm typically British in that I wait patiently in the queue!
TRP VERDICT: Another fast-tracked entry, you'll be pleased to know.
3. Training days
As a forward, we are often being flogged with lineouts, scrums, rucking and mauling in all conditions. So when you look over and see the backs having a game of kick tennis or they're huddled together trying to keep warm, that really gets to me!
TRP VERDICT: The pack mentality doesn't suit everyone, it's a no on this occasion.
