In the latest rugby drama, Wallabies flanker Carlo Tizzano has been left out of the lineup for the third clash against the British & Irish Lions, and not just because of his on-field antics. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt dropped the bombshell, linking the decision to the horde of online trolls that targeted Tizzano after his controversial performance in Melbourne.
The ruckus started when Tizzano was on the receiving end of a neck-high cleanout by Lion Jac Morgan in the dying minutes of the second Test. The hit, which officials missed, preceded a crucial try by Lion Hugo Keenan, stirring a cauldron of anger down under. Critics, including former Lions captain Sam Warburton, accused Tizzano of theatrically diving to draw a penalty, branding his reaction as overcooked. "He's had a really tough week," Schmidt sympathized, revealing the flanker's struggle with online vitriol. "I've advised Carlo to stay away from the media full stop, and the opinions that are out there."
Lions coach Andy Farrell chimed in on the issue, condemning the abuse.
"Online abuse, it’s clear and obvious, it’s disgusting. It shouldn’t be that way."
Defending Tizzano's reaction, Schmidt turned to science to explain the physics of the impact: "There were just over 54 Gs of force that went directly through the neck… which is enough to cause serious injury, although not to a rugby player who is as well conditioned as Carlo." He added, "But he’s probably best just left to take a deep breath. We are all aware of Newton’s third law – for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." This explanation paints a vivid picture of Tizzano being catapulted out of the ruck.
Meanwhile, World Rugby has stood by the on-field decisions, despite Schmidt's pointed remarks about the organization's dedication to player safety. As the teams gear up for the final Test in Sydney, the Lions are eyeing a clean sweep, while the Wallabies are left to regroup and respond, both on the field and online.