1
Kyle Sinckler's controversial 54th minute non-barge splits Twitter
By Online Editors
Wales headcoach Warren Gatland nearly got his Kyle Sinckler 'timebomb' moment.
“I think the thing with Kyle, there is no doubt he’s a very good player in terms of his carrying, scrummaging and work-rate," Gatland remarked on Friday. “There is a challenge sometimes with his temperament. He’s aware of it. Other players are aware of it. We’ve already seen in the Six Nations that he has been involved in a couple of incidents.
“Hopefully, we don’t get dragged into that on Saturday. Emotionally, he can be a bit of a time-bomb. I am not saying anything that people aren’t aware of."
England attack coach Scott Wisemantel hit back, cautioning against trying to wind him up.
“If they target him then they’re leaving 14 other blokes to do their jobs, so good luck,” Wisemantel said. “We saw in the Australia game during the autumn that he has a quick wit and can refocus very quickly. It’s probably Warren trying to stir the pot a bit."
The England tighthead appeared to lean into Welsh 10 Gareth Anscombe in the 54th minute immediately after a kick from the Cardiff Blues playmaker.
The Harlequins prop held his line, while at the same time learning his upper body into his opponent, connecting heavily.
Referee Jaco Peyper saw the incident in real time, and didn't have an issue with it, even choosing not to refer to the TMO.
Just moments later video appeared to show the tighthead with his arm around the neck of Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones. Tellingly, Eddie Jones decided to sub him off then and there, maybe sensing that the prop was reaching his boiling point.
Twitter was more split on the matter than referee Peyper, with both Welsh and English fans criticising the prop for different reasons.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' weaknesses
3
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy
4
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
5
Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
Go to comments