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'I am shocked' - Chilean player in dock after 'disgusting' photo shared online
By Ian Cameron
A Chilean rugby player has been slammed this week after an image of a clear eye gouge was shared online by a Canadian international.
The incident occurred while Canada and Chile were facing off in a Rugby World Cup 'Americas 2' qualifier in the Starlight Stadium in Langford, BC last weekend; a game Canada barely won 22 - 21.
However it seems the Chilean player involved has escaped a citing for the incident, which would have almost certainly seen him spend months on the sideline.
Canadian scrum-half Jamie Mackenzie shared the photos on Twitter, highlighting the eye gouge during the match and questioning why World Rugby did not act on it. Mackenzie, who last represented Canada in 2019, has received plenty of support over the matter.
“Came across this pic from Canada vs Chile and I am shocked World Rugby has done nothing about it," wrote McKenzie on Twitter. "Players reporting eye gouging and other despicable behaviours. Surprisingly, as a half-back I like a bit of grit, but there’s no room for this BS in the game.”
Former Canadian hooker Ray Barkwell wrote: "Absolutely disgusting another issue on the lack of accountability for players officials and citing commissioners."
Canada face Chile again in Valparaiso today as both teams try and stay in the hunt for the Americas 2 qualification place.
Earlier this week Canada head coach Kingsley Jones has confirmed a significant boost in the form of the highly-rated former Ospreys second row Tyler Ardron for the second leg.
The Chilians will climb two places to 26th with victory for their highest ranking since February 2018. The Canucks will fall two places to 23rd in defeat, with Hong Kong and Russia the beneficiaries. Canada cannot improve on 21st place, even with a win by more than 15 points, while Chile cannot fall from 28th in defeat.
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Latest Comments
Which people exactly?
Go to commentsWas anything but fine margins, the scoreline was flattering for that game. They were beat in every margin but most emphatically be effort of Argentina. They were slow and likely arrogant in their prep following the England series. You can see the effect on the selection and poor messaging all the playmakers started receiving from the coaching setup there after.
Otherwise though there was also a lot of really good stuff that can too easily be labelled as lucky by people intent on making a point. The team was far from certain and clinical though and the best that can be said of their losses was that they were largely due to some atrocious decisions with cards twice against SA and the neckroll last weekend (you can't take away the 14 point try, that is typical French rugby and to be expected).
This team is good enough to be able to cope with those sorts of difficulties if they could just execute a bit better (but only as well as they have traditionally mind you). Sound selections aside. Some good positivity in this article but we know it's not going to be easy as the ABs have just been trying to return to their DNA after Fosters control but countries like Aussie have a much bigger task in that respect and SA is even trying to change their DNA (again). Those two opponents (along with France obviously) are going to provide some tough competition in seeing who can lead into the 2027 RWC with the best prospects and form behind them.
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