Super Rugby
WATCH: Super Rugby is back with a bang… Controversial Red Card kicks off campaign
Right call??
The Chiefs and Highlanders kicked off the 2019 Super Rugby season today in NZ and it wasn’t long until controversy kicked in. 65 minutes.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger after Round 1 has already came out and said he’ll be checking in on the rule book following a controversial red card for his side in the opening round in Hamilton.
Replacement, Sio Tomkinson had just entered the play a matter minutes before he was in the bad books following a hit on Chiefs captain Brodie Retallick. The All Black Row was left flat on his back for some time before eventually getting to his feet and slowly leaving the field of play.
The incident went unnoticed by referee Glen Jackson until the TMO alerted him. Following a review Glen Jackson said “You made no attempt whatsoever to wrap him, you have used your shoulder and it’s direct to the head”.
Have a look at the hit yourself and let us know what you think?
Luckily for the visitors, the dismissal didn’t end up costing them the match with the Highlanders fighting back late to win 30-27 (Match Highlights below)
Speaking after the match Mauger said;
“It seemed a little bit cloudy, the conversation at the start, So we’ll have to go back and have a look through the laws and make sure our interpretation of what’s going on there is bang on, and have a look at the video.”
“I’ve got a pretty disappointed Sio Tomkinson in the changing shed, because he felt like he let the team down – a big moment for a young guy like that, so we’ll make sure we put the support around him, and make sure we’re really clear on what we can and can’t do in those moments.”
Speaking after the game, Chiefs coach Colin Cooper didn’t have an update on Retallick’s health, after the second-rower told Sky his neck was a “bit stiff”, but could understand why the red card was issued.
“The head is really important, I think the game is going to go hard in that area,” he said. “So the judiciary on the red card is what’s going to happen [for incidents like that].”
Match Highlights:
The Crusaders have named their side to face the Waratahs in Round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific ’23.
It’s the team’s last home game of the regular season before we get into finals. Kick off is Saturday at 4.35pm.
Codie Taylor takes up captaincy with Scott Barrett making the most of a rest week before some big showdowns. He’s joined in the front row by Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Tamaiti Williams.
Sam Whitelock returns this week, itching to take the field after a few weeks sidelined by injury. Both Codie Taylor and Scott Robertson spoke on Thursday morning about looking forward to having his leadership and wisdom back on the grass.
The dynamic duo of Mitch Drummond and Richie Mo’unga return at halfback and first five, their routine well-polished by now.
Look for some antics and acrobatics from Leicester Fainga’anuku and Dallas McLeod on the left and right wings, and a safe pair of hands at the rear with Fergus Burke as fullback.
Reuben O’Neill is set to make his Crusaders debut off the bench this week, the current Taranaki and former Chiefs player bolstering the front row stocks. He’s slotted in well with the team during trainings, Robertson saying he was “familiar to us” and helped relieve the burden on a front row depleted by injury. Brodie McAlister and Seb Calder make up the rest of the replacement front row.
The Crusaders go into this one second on the table, the Waratahs in sixth. There’s no discounting an Aussie side still within reach of a home quarter if the cards fall right for them. Expect a big contest.
Content & Images from – Crusaders Rugby
The Highlanders will use the last home game of the year against the Reds on Friday 26th May to farewell Aaron Smith – their most capped player ever. All things going to plan Smith should play his 184th game against the Reds.
Smith joined the club in 2011 at the behest of the then new Highlander’s coach, Jamie Joseph, having previously been in the Blues wider training group, the rest as they say is history.
Widely recognised as one of the best halfbacks in the game his performances over the years have left fans, fellow players and the media in awe of his consistency, energy, skill level and competitiveness.
However, all good things come to an end and on Friday 26th May at 7.05pm Smith will suit up in his Highlanders jersey and run out of the stadium tunnel to be greeted by a home crowd for the last time, from next year he is signed to play in the Japanese League.
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark appreciates it will be a significant moment in the club’s history.
“Aaron has given so much to the club and rugby public in this region. Saying good-bye is not a moment that many will be looking forward to, but he so richly deserves this one last opportunity to sign off an amazing Highlanders career in front of his home crowd. No doubt It will be a very special occasion for Aaron, Teagan and his children Luka and Leo, we hope it will be a night to remember for all.”
Head Coach Clarke Dermody acknowledges it will be an extra special night for his All-Black halfback.
“He’s been leading our team around the park for the last decade or so and he epitomises everything that a professional player should be – always prepared, highly skilled, competitive, and passionate about his team. He deserves all the recognition he gets, and he has worked very hard for it. Knowing Aaron, he will treat it like any other week, go through his routines, preparing accurately and give it his best on the night. I know I won’t be alone in reflecting on his enormous contribution to rugby in our region as his last home game comes to an end.”
Fans will have another opportunity to watch the master in action when the Highlanders take on the Rebels this Saturday at 4.35pm.
Book your seat to witness history here
ENDS
Content & Images from – Highlanders Rugby
Quin Strange, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie and Cullen Grace round out the back five. Earlier in the week veteran prop Joe Moody said, “we know we have the power throughout our back give, so…we need to keep the front row up so we can utilise that power”. Expect a big push through these guys, hoping to reap rewards.
Mitchell Drummond resumes his starting position at halfback after Noah Hotham started last week. The youngest ever player to clock 100 games for the franchise, Drummond brings maturity and huge experience. He lines up alongside Richie Mo’unga. When these two long-term team mates are on the field together, intuition is high.
Leicester Fainga’anuku runs the left wing, Dallas McLeod runs the right. These guys are a different breed, so keep an eye out for straight line breaks and aerial acrobatics.
David Havili and Braydon Ennor round out the centre, with playmaker Will Jordan in fullback for his second start of the season.
There you have it. All that’s left is the anticipation of kick off. Crusaders v Blues. The showdown is on.
Will you be there?
Content & Images from – Crusaders Rugby
Fourie and Orie return for Vodacom URC Grand Final
Wayne Smith appointed as Performance Coach for the Black Ferns and All Blacks
Team Naming: Whitelock Back for Waratahs Game
-
Champions Cup6 days agoMunster Rugby Departing Players Confirmed
-
URC1 week agoAlun Wyn Jones announces retirement from international rugby
-
URC1 week ago
Munster Travelling Squad Named For URC Grand Final
-
URC1 week ago
Munster v Barbarians Double-Header At Thomond Park
-
Premiership1 week agoJuarno Augustus signs new deal with Northampton Saints
-
Premiership6 days ago
Salakaia-Loto to leave Saints with immediate effect
-
International4 days agoWayne Smith appointed as Performance Coach for the Black Ferns and All Blacks
-
Super Rugby4 days agoTeam Naming: Whitelock Back for Waratahs Game