1
Both coaches agree on Semi Radradra 20-minute red card
By Ian Cameron
Both Wales head coach Warren Gatland and Fiji’s Mick Byrne say they are in favour of the 20-minute red card Law that saw Semi Radradra dismissed from the field in their sides’ Autumn Nations Series clash on Sunday afternoon in Cardiff.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Pacific Islanders triumphed for the first time in Cardiff as Wales suffered a record-equalling 10th Test consecutive defeat.
Wales led 14-3 but a red card for Semi Radradra – who was sent off for a dangerous tackle midway through the first half but allowed to be replaced due to World Rugby’s 20-minute red-card trial – galvanised Fiji.
Fly-half Caleb Muntz scored 19 points through a try, four penalties and a conversion, with centre Josua Tuisova’s late score sealing matters.
Fiji head coach Byrne said: “I think it’s a great thing for the game. I know there’s a lot of angst up in the north. We’ve been playing under that law now for a number of years down in the southern hemisphere.
“I think it’s still part of the law that if it’s deliberate foul play it’s still a full red card and I think we can’t lose sight of that. But the game’s played in such a way now that a red card can ruin the spectacle and I thought that game went right down to the wire tonight and I think that’s the idea of it.
“A yellow went to red, it’s still 20 minutes but if it was deliberate foul play it’s still a full red and that player can’t be replaced.
ADVERTISEMENT
“So I think the game’s in a good place as far as that goes and I understand the protection around the foul play, etc but I think if there’s deliberate foul play and they call red then we’ve got the best of both worlds. We saw a great game go down to the wire tonight because it was 15 on 15.”
Gatland said: “I’m in favour of it (red card trial) if it’s not deemed to be reckless or deliberate.
“There’s no arms in there and he’s gone for the shoulders, and there’s head-to-head contact.
“If you catch someone high it can be a 20-minute red card, but they’ve to deem whether it’s foul play of a certain standard.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I think it keeps the game alive and it’s probably given Fiji an opportunity to get back in the game. I don’t see that as bad for the game.”
Wales’ latest defeat matched a run of losses set in 2002 and 2003 under Gatland’s fellow New Zealander Steve Hansen.
They have not tasted success since beating 2023 World Cup pool stage opponents Georgia.
On pressure building on him during Wales’ losing run, Gatland said: “The pressure comes externally, basically from the media as it’s a narrative that you create.
“That’s OK from where I sit. We’ve said for the last 12 months since the World Cup, with the number of players and experience that we’ve lost, that we were going to invest in a group of youngsters we felt we could build with and take us on.
“We’ve seen development from those youngsters. We’ve said we need some patience and time. But I understand Test match rugby is about performing and winning.”
additional reporting PA
Great. Also the 'two yellows equals a red card' rule is better served by a 20min red card. Repeat yellows are usually around cynical play & sometimes the red-carded player is taking at least one of the yellows for the team.