Australia's 'cynical attempt' to reduce Darcy Swain's impending ban
The presence of one Darcy Swain in the recently announced Australia A side for their three-game series in Japan has raised a few eyebrows on both sides of the ditch.
Swain received a yellow card in the Wallabies' most recent defeat at the hands of the All Blacks for a dangerous breakdown clear-out and was cited after the match.
The widely held view is that Swain will be handed a ban for the offence that will keep him out of a set number of competitive matches in the near future. A ban of four matches or more would prevent him from playing any part on the Wallabies' end-of-year tour, where they are due to take on Scotland, France, Italy and Ireland.
Having been named in the Australia A squad for their trip to Japan, Swain could complete three of his potentially mandatory stand-downs in October, limiting the number of matches he's unavailable for when the Wallabies head north.
The decision to name Swain in the squad has understandably been met with some criticism on social media, given that Swain has been a full-squad member of the top Wallabies side for the entirety of the season. As such, many believe that he was not due to be named in the Australia A side until it became likely that the utility forward would be handed a ban.
I think I've now lost whatever respect I had left for the @wallabies. Their behaviour the past few weeks has been despicable
— Malcolm Wesley (@mmolver86) September 21, 2022
Quite daring of you to name that thug Darcy Swain when you know he'll be banned from playing
— Malcolm Wesley (@mmolver86) September 21, 2022
Why was Darcy swain named in the Australian A squad that is travelling to Japan is this to cover his games ban
— Schimanski (@ThatSchimanski) September 21, 2022
There are some who believe that Swain's selection is entirely above board and that he was always a chance to play for Australia A given the 'depth' the Wallabies possess in the second row.
Or maybe with other players back from injury he is not getting selected for the tour.
— BDC4171 (@Barnaby_Chivers) September 21, 2022
I don't think it is unreasonable that might legit be sending him back to Aus A for more experience he clearly needs. Has potential but needs to focus his game and clean it up. Aus A is the spot for that not Wallabies.
— Bart Willis (@bartinoheat) September 21, 2022
Is cynical the right word? Lonergan, Frost, Pone, Neville all picked. Definitely strategic, but don’t think it’s outside realms of possibility that he was being picked Anyway
— rory shortball (@RShortball) September 21, 2022
Fox Sports' Christy Doran takes a slightly different stance, believing it's simply a smart move on the Wallabies' behalf:
The outcome of Swain's judicial appointment is set to be confirmed in the coming hours.
Latest Comments
Safas are so triggered by Ireland. 3 consecutive losses, incl RWC. 8 losses out of last 12 Tests. Always excuses, of course, with Bok fans. Now Rassie with his “88%” nonsense, the Claytons Excuse is an embarrassment to Bok teams of the past when every test mattered. Their fickle mojo will be on edge for the Ireland tour. Have the referees been appointed yet ? They will need security. Have WR laid out strict guidelines for TMO’s and replays on the stadium screens ? Will the constant stoppages from Bok forwards for cramps and bootlaces be tolerated ? We’re not talking a dominant Springbok team here, they won the LOTTO Cup and they know it whether they admit it or not. The Disney doco has their fans positively fermenting internally, its going to be a nasty hangover if they get beaten on home soil. What will the excuses be then……
Go to commentsGreat role model.
Go to comments