Former Test referee Nigel Owens has broken down the controversial red cards issued to Springboks' Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert for dangerous tackles in their recent matches against France and Italy. De Jager faced a four-week suspension after a high tackle on Thomas Ramos, which was upheld despite an appeal. Mostert's red card for his tackle on Paolo Garbisi was initially given but later overturned by an independent panel.
Owens offered a stern perspective on De Jager's tackle, emphasizing the illegality of the action.
"If we listen to the assistant referees, they remind the referee, 'hang on now, this is always illegal,'"
Owens explained on World Rugby’s Whistle Watch. He argued that De Jager’s form, with his arm hanging low and no attempt to wrap, rendered any mitigating factors irrelevant, branding the tackle as permanently dangerous.
Regarding Mostert, Owens suggested a nuanced view. He admitted that Mostert was "a bit unlucky" due to the nature of the tackle which did not show direct head contact.
"He goes down quite low for a big man to make the tackle and the tackle is on the chest – you’re not seeing direct contact with the head,"
Owens noted, suggesting that a 20-minute red card review would have been more appropriate than a straight red. However, he still pointed out the lack of an attempt to wrap as a critical error.
Owens didn’t specify whether Mostert’s action should have resulted in a lesser penalty, but he leaned towards a bunker review possibly leading to a 20-minute red card due to the inherent illegality of the action.
The decisions have stirred debates and frustrations among fans and officials alike, including Springboks' coach Rassie Erasmus, particularly after De Jager's failed appeal. Amidst this controversy, Owens' insights underscore the complexities and nuances of officiating in high-stakes rugby matches.
Springboks team: Ruan Nortje played a crucial role as a replacement after Lood de Jager’s suspension.
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Former Test referee Nigel Owens has broken down the controversial red cards issued to Springboks' Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert for dangerous tackles in their recent matches against France and Italy. De Jager faced a four-week suspension after a high tackle on Thomas Ramos, which was upheld despite an appeal. Mostert's red card for his tackle on Paolo Garbisi was initially given but later overturned by an independent panel.
Owens offered a stern perspective on De Jager's tackle, emphasizing the illegality of the action.
"If we listen to the assistant referees, they remind the referee, 'hang on now, this is always illegal,'"
Owens explained on World Rugby’s Whistle Watch. He argued that De Jager’s form, with his arm hanging low and no attempt to wrap, rendered any mitigating factors irrelevant, branding the tackle as permanently dangerous.Regarding Mostert, Owens suggested a nuanced view. He admitted that Mostert was "a bit unlucky" due to the nature of the tackle which did not show direct head contact.
"He goes down quite low for a big man to make the tackle and the tackle is on the chest – you’re not seeing direct contact with the head,"
Owens noted, suggesting that a 20-minute red card review would have been more appropriate than a straight red. However, he still pointed out the lack of an attempt to wrap as a critical error.Owens didn’t specify whether Mostert’s action should have resulted in a lesser penalty, but he leaned towards a bunker review possibly leading to a 20-minute red card due to the inherent illegality of the action.
The decisions have stirred debates and frustrations among fans and officials alike, including Springboks' coach Rassie Erasmus, particularly after De Jager's failed appeal. Amidst this controversy, Owens' insights underscore the complexities and nuances of officiating in high-stakes rugby matches.
Springboks team: Ruan Nortje played a crucial role as a replacement after Lood de Jager’s suspension.