Alun Wyn Jones

a. I agree though it's not just him that does it. IMO, the referees stance should be:

"If you don't understand my decision then the captain and/or the penalised player can politely ask me to explain why i've given it. If you don't like the explanation, or don't like the decision, then tough; i'm the referee and i'll call what i see".

b. Whilst it was funny, Marler should and likely will get a ban. Reason being that there will have been thousands of kids who've watched it and without a ban, could see this as acceptable behaviour. As a coach in a junior setup, i don't want to spend my time having to discipline kids for inappropriate contact.

There is a fine line between 'banter'/craic/gentle wind-up (whatever word you choose to use) and unacceptable behaviour.

Personally, i don't think i'd be happy with another player copping hold of my bits, no matter how subtlety or innocent/playful they thought they were being.

Ideally, yes, as a parent you'd explain to your child that it's not the done thing and not to copy it.

But I can see that Marler thought he was being funny, although I can also see why AWJ wasn't amused by the incident.  Even in his press conference afterwards, he really didn't seem to know how to explain what had happened - he was still completely bemused by it two hours later - and I find it strange that he's getting grief for that.  If one of my mates walked into the pub and rubbed my crotch as a form of greeting I think I'd find that completely bizarre behaviour, so why Marler thinks it's acceptable in front of a TV audience of millions is beyond me.

Maybe the Six Nations should be behind a paywall after all so our children can't be exposed to this filth 

Marler has a history of acting like a tool and knew exactly what he was doing.  What's worse is that there was no need to do what he did.  He now has to accept the consequences which will probably be a ban or a fine at best.  And rather than be remembered as a decent prop, he'll probably be remembered as the player who fondled another player during a match.  If I had done that in my day job I would have been suspended immediately, disciplined (and probably sacked) and would most likely have to face a sexual assault charge in Court.

The reaction has ranged from 'lucky sods' to 'disgraceful' She's resigned and lost her career. 

Also a very foolish person.

The reactions to Marler's foolery show a similar variation, but he must know he plays with fire.

I always try and avoid the chat on ITV at half time so I did not watch but I understood that it was highlighted at half time which is when Gareth Thomas made his comment about not retiring if it had happened when he was still playing. It had therefore already been picked up by TV before AWJ had talked to any press.

The act was not malicious but I believe was clearly intended to get a reaction out of AWJ, I nearly said rise rather than reaction, in the hope that AWJ would get carded. On that basis I believe Marler should get some sort of a ban as I am fed up with players trying to get opposition players to retaliate to something they have done in the hope/expectation that the other guy is the one the referee catches and who walks. On the same basis I would have yellow carded the Scottish 6 on Sunday as I thought it was him coming flying in when there was nothing really going on that kicked it all off.  

Absolutely agree with this.  I'd have done the same.