Rugby world split over red card ‘joke’

The All Blacks had opened up a 13-0 lead after 27 minutes having already won back the Bledisloe for yet another season.

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Australia’s Noah Lolesio had missed a kick from nearly in front as the All Blacks had to drop out from the 22.

Tom Banks received and kicked it high back to the All Blacks when fullback Jordie Barrett too the high ball.

But Aussie winger Marika Koroibete reeled out of the play clutching his face.

Upon replay, it was clear that Barrett’s foot came in contact with Koroibete’s face.

But the decision to red card Barrett has divided the rugby world with social media erupting over the decision.

Initially in the commentary box, the callers said that it was likely to be accidental and appeared to be leaning towards a yellow card.

Wallabies great Drew Mitchell said the “you’re taught to do exactly what he did here but it’s the kick out here that they’d be looking at. Not particularly necessary but could be deemed accidental.”

Fellow former Wallaby Morgan Turinui added that Barrett immediately checked on Koroibete.

All Blacks legend Andrew Mehrtens added that “he had to tilt his body in the air so it’s probably natural for his leg to come out.”

Referee Damon Murphy had little choice but to order Barrett from the field, even though the kick appeared accidental and the fullback was quick to check on the welfare of Koroibete, who himself was red-carded in the final game of Australia’s recent Test series with France.

It was the second card of this year’s Bledisloe Cup, after Ardie Savea copped a yellow in the second Test at Eden Park.

Mehrtens thought it may be a yellow card, but was stunned when it was a red card.

Mitchell added: “Going through it, direct contact with the foot to the head, going by the letter of the law, that constitutes a red card, accidental or not. It’s a tough one, we’re all sitting here thinking it’s partially accident but by the letter of the law, the referee has got that right”.

This type of incident has been seen in other codes previously with NRL legend Billy Slater cleared over an ugly kick out during his career, while Giants star Toby Greene has copped criticism previously for the act.

However it was clear two camps had formed with some believing you can’t kick someone in the face regardless of the circumstances.

Those defending Barrett believed that he was defending himself while airborne.

But under Rugby Championship rules, a red carded player can be replaced after halftime.

The Wallabies couldn’t capitalise however with the All Blacks opening an 18-0 lead at the halftime break.

— with NCA Newswire