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Both coaches agree on Semi Radradra 20-minute red card
By Ian Cameron
Both Wales head coach Warren Gatland and Fiji's Mick Byrne say they are in favour of the 20-minute red card Law that saw Semi Radradra dismissed from the field in their sides' Autumn Nations Series clash on Sunday afternoon in Cardiff.
The Pacific Islanders triumphed for the first time in Cardiff as Wales suffered a record-equalling 10th Test consecutive defeat.
Wales led 14-3 but a red card for Semi Radradra – who was sent off for a dangerous tackle midway through the first half but allowed to be replaced due to World Rugby’s 20-minute red-card trial – galvanised Fiji.
Fly-half Caleb Muntz scored 19 points through a try, four penalties and a conversion, with centre Josua Tuisova’s late score sealing matters.
Fiji head coach Byrne said: “I think it’s a great thing for the game. I know there’s a lot of angst up in the north. We’ve been playing under that law now for a number of years down in the southern hemisphere.
"I think it’s still part of the law that if it’s deliberate foul play it’s still a full red card and I think we can’t lose sight of that. But the game’s played in such a way now that a red card can ruin the spectacle and I thought that game went right down to the wire tonight and I think that’s the idea of it.
"A yellow went to red, it’s still 20 minutes but if it was deliberate foul play it’s still a full red and that player can’t be replaced.
"So I think the game’s in a good place as far as that goes and I understand the protection around the foul play, etc but I think if there’s deliberate foul play and they call red then we’ve got the best of both worlds. We saw a great game go down to the wire tonight because it was 15 on 15.”
Gatland said: “I’m in favour of it (red card trial) if it’s not deemed to be reckless or deliberate.
“There’s no arms in there and he’s gone for the shoulders, and there’s head-to-head contact.
“If you catch someone high it can be a 20-minute red card, but they’ve to deem whether it’s foul play of a certain standard.
“I think it keeps the game alive and it’s probably given Fiji an opportunity to get back in the game. I don’t see that as bad for the game.”
Wales’ latest defeat matched a run of losses set in 2002 and 2003 under Gatland’s fellow New Zealander Steve Hansen.
They have not tasted success since beating 2023 World Cup pool stage opponents Georgia.
On pressure building on him during Wales’ losing run, Gatland said: “The pressure comes externally, basically from the media as it’s a narrative that you create.
“That’s OK from where I sit. We’ve said for the last 12 months since the World Cup, with the number of players and experience that we’ve lost, that we were going to invest in a group of youngsters we felt we could build with and take us on.
“We’ve seen development from those youngsters. We’ve said we need some patience and time. But I understand Test match rugby is about performing and winning.”
additional reporting PA
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Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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