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'Shocker' - Andy Goode floats theory over hefty Brad Shields' ban
By Kim Ekin
Andy Goode has a theory as to why the Wasps' backrow Brad Shields copped such a hefty ban for a controversial hit last weekend in the Heineken Champions Cup.
Many believe that Shield's hit against Munster loosehead Dave Kilkoyne did not merit a red card, but high-profile referee Romain Poite thought it deserved the highest sanction and sent the New Zealand born forward off.
It was a huge decision that tilted the game heavily in favour of the visiting Irish side.
There was an expectation that Wasps could successfully turn over the decision in the citing commissioner's disciplinary panel, but instead Shields was landed with a four-week ban.
The panel judged that the influential former England flanker made contact with the head and neck area of prop Kilcoyne at the CBS Arena, thereby warranting the red.
Wasps, however, are convinced it was harsh and with an appeal likely to be held tonight [Thursday, December 16], a successful challenge could mean Shields becomes available for the Stade Ernest Wallon showdown.
“I can’t say too much yet because I’ve not received the written judgement,” head coach Lee Blackett said.
“Once we’ve received that, we will appeal it. Saying that we’re appealing it probably tells you all you need to know.
“Brad is desperate to play. He probably feels harshly done to a little bit. Whatever will happen will happen, he’s the ultimate team man and he will react positively.”
Former Wasps and England standoff Goode has floated a theory on the decision on Twitter.
"Crazy decision to ban Brad Shields for 4 weeks for the tackle on Dave Kilcoyne. Initial contact was with the chest, the disciplinary panel have had a shocker and are probably just going with it because it’s a top tier referee in Poite who made the decision."
It's quite a shout from Goode. Either way, Wasps will be hoping the commissioners see it drastically different in tonight's appeal.
- additional reporting PA
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In the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
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