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Four home unions kick radical RWC red card plan to touch

By Online Editors
New Zealand's Scott Barrett is sent off against Australia (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Controversial proposals to downgrade the severity of red cards have been vetoed by the four home unions. England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland rejected out of hand suggestions to alter the punishment meted out for red cards in time for the World Cup which kicks off in Japan on September 20.

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World Rugby is understood to have held a conference call with top figures across the game where plans to dilute red card sanctions were seriously discussed. Some of the game’s top decision-makers weighed up allowing a player awarded a red card to be dismissed – but then be replaced by a substitute 15 minutes later.

That radical alteration would have left teams receiving red cards playing with 14 men for just five minutes longer than a yellow card sin-binning, then being restored to a full complement. World Rugby eventually implemented a new procedure where the television match official (TMO) must now be consulted over all potential red-card decisions.

World Rugby confirmed that protocol amendment on August 30, which will now be in effect for the World Cup. New Zealand were left frustrated by Scott Barrett’s red card in their 47-26 defeat by Australia in Perth on August 10. Barrett was sent off for a shoulder charge to Michael Hooper’s neck, but All Blacks bosses were frustrated by the decision.

A number of top figures in the game have raised concerns over the interpretation of punishments for high tackles, with some worried any increase in red cards could damage the World Cup. England boss Eddie Jones warned last month that the World Cup could be “destroyed” by inconsistent refereeing.

(Continue reading below…)

World Rugby allegedly held a conference call where plans to alter punishments for red cards in time for the World Cup were floated. But the four home unions are understood to have quashed any tentative blueprints for radical change.

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The governing body issued new high tackle punishment decision-making framework for referees back in May, designed as another boost to player welfare and to simplify the process of disciplining foul play.

“World Rugby is committed to player safety and we collaborate with coaches, players and match officials on all player welfare matters, including the implementation of the high tackle sanction framework, which has been implemented after extensive trials demonstrating concussion reduction benefits,” said a World Rugby spokesman.

“The inclusion of the TMO to aid referee decision-making in the implementation of framework for occasions of dangerous foul play is a common-sense addition, enabling the match official team to make full use of the advanced Hawkeye technology available at Rugby World Cup to further support clear and consistent decision making in this important area of the game.”

– Press Association 

WATCH: The RugbyPass stadium guide for Tokyo where the 2019 World Cup will kick off on September 20

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Trevor 2 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 6 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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