KEY POINTS:
The increased scrutiny of television cameras, the introduction of citing
officers and the use of sin bins has led to rugby cleaning up its act in recent years.
Many old-school fans yearn for the days of Buck Shelford or Willie John McBride, which allowed for frayed tempers and for issues to be settled on the field.
But there are still players who like to take matters into their own hands. Here, PA Sport profiles a few characters who could keep the officials busy this World Cup.
Bakkies Botha (South Africa, lock)
Botha is one of the most uncompromising players in the world. He is always likely to be found in the middle of a scrap. In 2004 Botha was banned for eight weeks for "reckless use of the hand" after being accused of eye-gouging by Australia hooker Brendan Cannon.
Kevin Yates (England, prop)
A decade ago, Yates' reputation was stained permanently after he was handed a six-month ban for biting the ear of an opponent. At the time it seemed to effectively cost him the chance of an England career. A tough customer, Yates has also been banned for punching and stamping.
Ali Williams (New Zealand, lock)
Williams treads a disciplinary tight-rope on and off the field. England accused him of stamping on Josh Lewsey's head in the 2003 Test and were furious when he escaped a ban. Two years later Williams was banned for stamping on the head of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.
Butch James (South Africa, fly-half)
Early in his career James was notorious for high and illegal tackles. In 2001 he was banned for six weeks after three in the same match. James played in the infamous `Battle of Twickenham' in 2002. He has cleaned up his act after a long injury lay-off - but referees will still be watching.
Lewis Moody (England, flanker)
Moody is the only England player to be sent-off in a Test match at Twickenham following a scuffle with Samoan winger - and Leicester team-mate - Alesana Tuilagi. Moody is not generally a dirty player but his antics at the breakdown will keep all referees busy.
Chris Horsman (Wales, prop)
Horsman is a fierce scrummager but the big criticism against the tight-head is his lack of discipline. His Wales debut was delayed after he received a ban for stamping against Sale and no player was sin-binned more often in the Guinness Premiership last season.
Denis Leamy (Ireland, number eight)
The Munsterman admits to being "over-physical" in the early years of his career. Leamy insists that is now channelled in the right direction - but he is still not backwards in coming forwards. He was sin-binned for his part in a scuffle against Australia in November.
plus...
Danny Grewcock (England, lock)
Grewcock's disciplinary record is long and he would have topped this list - had he not already been banned! Grewcock was ruled out of the World Cup after being hit with a six-week suspension for punching Thibault Privat in the European Challenge Cup final.
- PA SPORT
