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Everyone is saying the same thing about the Manu Tuilagi incident
Many rugby fans are questioning how Sale Sharks centre Manu Tuilagi went unpunished for a collision with Tommy Allan in his side’s Gallagher Premiership win over Harlequins yesterday evening.
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Allan left the field on a stretcher after receiving lengthy treatment following a collision with Tuilagi at the Stoop. The England midfielder appeared to tuck his arm in moments before the contact was made with the Italian flyhalf, who had fallen to the ground after attempting to collect a high ball.
Referee Wayne Barnes ruled that the incident was a ‘rugby collision’ although some fans were unclear why Tuilagi found himself barrelling into Allan shoulder first with no apparent attempt to wrap his arms, even if he was pulling out of a tackle.
At the time of publishing Tuilagi had not been cited by the RFU.
Journalist Chris Jones wrote: “Have to hope Tommy Allan is ok. Rugby collision rules Wayne Barnes but doesn’t look great from Tuilagi.”
Have to hope Tommy Allan is ok. Rugby collision rules Wayne Barnes but doesn’t look great from Tuilagi pic.twitter.com/umpjA3kfih
— chris jones (@chrisjonespress) January 8, 2023
Welsh journalist Gareth Axenderrie wrote: “England’s 12 in a hugely dangerous high tackle incident 2 days after England’s 10 was. Neither even penalised. The issue here isn’t ‘intent’. The issue here is Tuilagi has no control. At full speed. Makes contact with Allen’s head who doesn’t have the ball and is defenceless.”
“Surely that kind of collision is exactly what rugby is trying to get rid of?” wrote one fan. “Tuilagi being committed isn’t really an excuse if you fly in like a missile.”
Surely that kind of collision is exactly what rugby is trying to get rid of? Tuilagi being committed isn’t really an excuse if you fly in like a missile #HARvSAL
— Deeps (@D_P_DD) January 8, 2023
“How Manu Tuilagi and Farrell didn’t get red cards this weekend is bonkers,” wrote another fan. “BT Sport not even highlighting the Tuilagi hit! Under doctors orders after the trial by tv comment by Healy!”
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How Manu Tuilagi and Farrell didn’t get red cards this weekend is bonkers. BT Sport not even highlighting the Tuilagi hit! Under doctors orders after the trial by tv comment by Healy!
— Chris Davies (@RubbishNo3) January 8, 2023
Some even suggested that the approaching Guinness Six Nations suggested that England players tend to get the rub of the green in these incidents ahead of the tournament.
Former Welsh prop Lee Jarvis posted: “Farrell shoulder to the head yesterday. Nothing Manu Tuilagi shoulder to the head today. Nothing. 6 nations starts in a few weeks. That’s why.”
Farrell shoulder to the head yesterday. Nothing
Manu Tuilagi shoulder to the head today. Nothing
6 nations starts in a few weeks. That's why ?
— ??? ?????? (@LeeJarvis10) January 8, 2023
Others defended Tuilagi, one fan observing: “Surprised so many people digging Tuilagi out over this. Allan is falling over and that’s caused the contact with head. His head is at waist level. How is Tuilagi meant to anticipate that? This isn’t the same as some of the others we have seen.”
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The Maul Over Rugby Pod described it as a faux outrage: “If anything Tuilagi is trying to pull out of this and has no time to change any of his movements on a sodden pitch that wouldn’t allow quick change of direction. But why let that stop the narrative. This faux outrage is a huge part of the problem.”
Harlequins head coach Tabai Matson said of the injury to Allan: “Tommy looks pretty good, it was precautionary.”
England teammate Owen Farrell will face a panel of his hit on Gloucester’s Jack Clermont. Farrell’s hearing will take place tomorrow evening (Tuesday 10 January) and will be heard by an independent disciplinary panel chaired by Philip Evans with Becky Essex and Mitch Read. If banned, he could miss the start of the Six Nations.
Comments on RugbyPass
He’s a dominant personality. That might be both a good and bad thing in team dynamics. Certainly it ruined Smith’s first crack at 10 with Owen at 12. BTW, Bristol flatter to deceive. When things really matter, they tend to deliver less rather than more. Farrell would have been good for them
35 Go to commentsGot a lot of over the top abuse from Crusader fans, in particular, who thought every 7 they had was miles better. Now we will see if anyone is better? Laid his body on the line every game so finishing early makes sense. A lot of life left after rugby.
1 Go to commentsA poor decision to appoint Carley as not only is Pearce a better referee but also importantly speaks French.
2 Go to commentsHe is 100 % on the mark. Malicious arrogance with a lack of respect for the other teams mostly the south. they must learn from True rugby nations like the Boks and Kiwis
119 Go to commentsThis Outiniqua boy has played sublime rugby and deserves a spot in BI LIONS team. Well played son
4 Go to commentsI don’t like to see players miss big matches but this ban looks to be tailored to allow him to compete in the final. In principle a suspension for a very dangerous tackle in a semi should warrant missing the relevant final. Done now. One the flip side having both teams with very strong squads/teams available for the final will add to the occassion hopefully.
1 Go to commentsTalent to burn and a huge engine..hope he gets a shot at higher honours
2 Go to commentsIf anything like his dad he has a bright future, Soane was the best ball carrying props ive ever seen using a combination of pace power and footwork.
1 Go to commentsThose who saw Sharks vs Clermont and Ox N'Che vs Rabah Slimani should have a good idea of the best scrumagers… May be not the best props…
2 Go to commentsIt's been an unusual era of unpopular, highly competitive, domineering, fairly big fly halves in the home nations with Farrell, Sexton and Biggar. Russell is different in personality and player I think. I'd rank Sexton first of the three because he is just as good a game controller but also has a great passing game. And his competitiveness never seems to cause problems with refs.
35 Go to commentsThank goodness he wasn't born in Scotland, he'd have been a great candidate for the Scottish Barbarians. I wouldn't put it past them to push for a “where the player was conceived” rule 😂
2 Go to commentsOwen Farrell is one of the most polarising figures in the game. His entire attitude on the field (and sometimes off of it) smacks of arrogance and he is about as brash as Donald Trump in a political debate. Yet behind that facade is a calculating, determined and powerful leader who drives any team forward with an Iron will. You are right in that he gets better in the heat of battle and in the face of overwhelming odds. He develops a narrow focus and he delivers his best in a way that few others can. He is one of Englands great performers who sacrificed alot for the team and who often bears the weight of responsibility of leadership alone on the field and in front of the media. Despite what many think of him he is a fantastic game manager with a good rugby brain. He will be sorely missed from the international stage
35 Go to commentsAlways proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
1 Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
11 Go to commentsHiding coming up for Saders.
1 Go to commentsDagg really does go down some rabbit holes doesnt he? In the name I guess.
6 Go to commentsHey Brett I’m one who is looking forward to seeing JS back on the rugby field. I was under the impression that a large portion of his contract was via a third party so RA isn’t having to foot the bill My big concern is around the Tahs and what is happening there, why are so many players bailing. Is it the program, the coaches or the culture. Joe Schmidt recently said he had been at the Tahs all week and DC is a good coach. Something doesn’t gel , 10 front row forwards in a season that’s not bad luck
16 Go to commentsIncorrect title. He hasn’t said Furlong is one of the best scrummagers. He said he is one of the best props.
2 Go to comments“_It seems like a crazy thing that he was counting them_“ Are you stupid, mate? Anyone with more than half a brain understands that he meant “a lot” or something similar. Do you really think he was counting? “*Goode*: Told you, Jim!“ No, you banana. You said, explicitly, that the Irish players didn’t say what EE said they did. Even though you weren’t there. Even though you didn’t hear a word they said. M0r0n.
119 Go to commentsI am sure that Scott Robertson did do the courtesy of telling Sam Cane that he was not in his All Black plans and NZR would support him if he wished to sign a lucrative pension playing out his career in the cream puff rugby that is Japan’s Top League. I fail to see this as a negative as Israel Dagg is trying to spin it. Razor allowed Cane to leave with dignity rather than being unceremoniously dumped as was Buck Shelford.
6 Go to comments