BUT the Chiefs were reduced to 14 men - why?The Chiefs player who was injured was Mitchell Graham (a loose head prop).
The Chiefs sent on a prop but he was told he had to leave the field.
I don't recall this happening before. In the past (against the Boks vs ANs while Burger was captain) they went to uncontested scrums but played with 15 men.
Here is the law:
3.6 Uncontested scrums
(a
Scrums will become uncontested if either team cannot field a suitably trained front row or if the referee so orders.
(b
Unions/match organisers may determine whether or not a game may start or continue with uncontested scrums.
(c
When a front row player leaves the playing area, whether through injury or temporary or permanent suspension, the referee will enquire at that time whether the team can continue with contested scrums. If the referee is informed that the team will not be able to contest the scrum then the referee will order uncontested scrums. If the player returns or another front row player comes on then contested scrums may resume.
(d
In a squad of 23 players, or at the discretion of the Union/match organiser, a player whose departure has caused the referee to order uncontested scrums cannot be replaced.
(e
If they are available, a team must have three front row players in the front row at all times. In an uncontested scrum, only when there is no available front row replacement or substitute is any other player permitted to play in the front row.
(f)
If, as a result of a front row player being temporarily suspended, another player has to be nominated by the team to leave the playing area to enable an available front row player to come on, the nominated player may not return until the period of suspension ends.
(g
If, as a result of a front row player being sent off, another player has to be nominated by the team to leave the playing area to enable an available front row player to come on, the nominated player may act as a replacement/substitute.
In this game the player was not sent off for foul play & there was no card issued. Anyone know why the officials ruled Chiefs had to play with 14 men in this circumstance?
