1
Samoan duo hit with citations for red card-worthy, dangerous tackles
By Online Editors
World Rugby have confirmed what everyone watching Tuesday's match between Samoa and Russia already knew: Rey Lee-Lo and Motu Matu'u deserved red cards for their high tackles on their Russian opposites.
Today, World Rugby released a disciplinary updated revealing that both players have been cited for their respective tackles, which were deemed "acts of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous high tackle)."
Winger Ed Fidow has also received a warning for throwing a punch during the match.
Fans were left stewing after referee Romain Poite brandished yellow cards for the two high tackles which occurred within three minutes of each other during the Pool A match.
Unlike other high tackles from the World Cup which were missed in-game, Poite took the time to examine both tackles on the big screen and, along with the TMO, decided that the tackles didn't warrant red cards.
It was an ironic turn of events, given that World Rugby had only just released a statement lamenting the standard of refereeing in the tournament to date.
"The match officials team recognise that performances over the opening weekend of Rugby World Cup 2019 were not consistently of the standards set by World Rugby and themselves, but World Rugby is confident of the highest standards of officiating moving forward," the brief said.
Poitie initially appeared to think the tackles warranted send-offs, but changed his mind after much discussion with the TMO.
Russia, who have never won a match at a World Cup, couldn't capitalise on the two yellow cards and eventually succumbed 34-9 - but who knows how the match would have ended if Samoa were reduced to 13 for the remainder of the game?
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Fissler Confidential: Radwan eyed to replace exit-bound England wing
3
Stormers hand Leinster second humbling in a row
4
'Helped me out': Danny Care's take on avoiding 'stonewall' sending off
5
Latest Comments
To be fair it was nowhere bear the Leinster first team (for which, btw, Leinster copped nothing like the outrage that Jake White did for sending a rotated team to the UK). But it’s fun to watch the Stormers doing their thing. They are attracting big, diverse crowds of young fans, and deservedly so. Great to see.
Go to commentsIt might be legal but he’s sailing pretty close to the wind. Not a lot needs to go wrong for Finau to end up in the bin. Was it late? Not quite, but borderline. High? A couple of CM within the laws, no room for error with that one. Did he wrap the arms? There was a token effort to wrap one arm, the intent was clearly to hit with the shoulder. So yeah, it’s legal, just. But as we all know, a very slight change in the dynamics could easily have him seeing red. Hopefully not when it really matters.
Go to comments