'I didn't just smack him on the head' - Sinckler breaks silence on Iturria incident
Kyle Sinckler insists his combustible reputation is undeserved but has vowed to continue bringing a combative edge to England’s front row.
Sinckler will be at the forefront of the mission to land a critical blow in the Guinness Six Nations title race by extending Eddie Jones’ winning record over Wales to five Tests when the rivals clash in Cardiff on February 23.
The Harlequins prop’s power in the loose and improving set-piece work have elevated him to the status of England’s first-choice tighthead, but he disputes his image of a volatile agitator.
Here's a fun fact for you…@KyleSinckler used to be a back ?
Don't believe us?
Check this out ? pic.twitter.com/X67oOJaj8B
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 13, 2019
“Whatever is said, I’m always in control and I always know what I’m doing. I’m never out of control,” Sinckler said.
“I have to make sure I’m in control and I don’t let the emotions get the better of me, but at the same time if you are part of the front row and playing in the forward pack it is always going to be a fine line.”
One moment in the 44-8 victory over France that could be viewed as evidence to support Sinckler’s notoriety is given a different perspective when explained by the 25-year-old Londoner.
Upon slapping France forward Arthur Iturria on the top of the head early in the second half at Twickenham, referee Nigel Owens awarded a penalty against Sinckler and issued a reminder of “rugby’s values”.
“I was a bit frustrated about the whole incident, if I’m being honest,” Sinckler said.
“I don’t condone what I did, but they didn’t show the full replay of what actually conspired. I didn’t just smack him on the head. There was stuff that happened before.
“I don’t want to dwell on that. The big learn on for me is that I’d done my job in terms of counter-rucking, he’s lost his cool so move on instead of retaliating.
“I’m not perfect and I’ve learned from it. It’s a good lesson to learn. Just off the back of it, I tried to make a big carry. Learn from it. Don’t go trying to chase the game.”
Sinckler showed enough in eight caps as a replacement to be selected for the 2017 Lions to New Zealand, where he also performed the role of substitute tighthead in the Test series.
If targeted by Wales and Lions coach Warren Gatland, he will be ready.
“The main thing is just not letting it get in the way of the main goal which is the team winning,” he said.
“Gats does what he does. The main thing for us is that we can’t lose sleep over what they are going to do.”
Sinckler was present for England’s dramatic 21-16 victory in Cardiff two years ago when a late Elliot Daly try sealed a famous win.
“The atmosphere was electric. The Wales national anthem gets the hairs on the back of your neck standing up just with the passion from the fans,” he said.
“I remember the coach journey in and the bus driver took us the wrong way so we were a bit late for our warm-up.
“It’s pretty hostile as you would expect but it is all good fun. You see all the Welsh flags going in and everyone giving you a bit of abuse, which is good fun.”
Press Association
Comments on RugbyPass
“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
11 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
11 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
17 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to comments