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'It's a stitch up' - World Cup could descend into red card frenzy warns ex-Wallabies skipper
Former Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock has branded Reece Hodge’s three-match ban “a stitch up” and fears the decision will spark a red-card frenzy that could cost a team the Rugby World Cup.
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Hodge was scrubbed out of Australia’s remaining three pool games, including Sunday’s group-defining showdown with Wales, after being found guilty of a dangerous tackle at a judicial hearing in Tokyo on Wednesday night.
The goalkicking winger’s high tackle on Fiji forward Peceli Yato in Saturday’s win in Sapporo was deemed to have met the red-card threshold in a decision that has left Hodge shellshocked.
Hodge and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika were supremely confident he’d escape further sanction after match officials opted not to take any action against the 25-year-old during the game.
“It’s a stitch up,” Mortlock told AAP on Thursday.
“All the refs are going to go nuts on cards so I feel like it’s going to really affect the outcome of this World Cup and that’s very, very disappointing.
“And it’s really unfortunate for ‘Hodgie’ because obviously he’s been made an example of and moving forward you can imagine that all players in the tournament are going to be treated the same way.
Australia's Reece Hodge has learned his fate over that tackle on Fiji's Peceli Yato https://t.co/jSLN0VRLZS
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 25, 2019
“So effectively the two Samoan guys who have been cited, I’ll be very interested to see (how) harshly sanctioned they are.”
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Mortlock said he “totally” understood the logic behind World Rugby clamping down on dangerous play.
“But all the rugby players who have been playing the game for five, 10, 15 years, they have an ingrained technique that’s very, very hard to change and in particular in Test-match rugby it’s ramped up another level.
“And at a Rugby World Cup, you’re under immense pressure, fatigue and more often than not you’ll revert to what you’ve always done.
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“Going into Hodge’s specific case, there were at least a couple of times where he went in low and he absolutely got run over the top of like he was a speed bump.
“So he adapted and tried to go higher to make sure he didn’t absolutely get run over the top of, which as a player is what you would try to do. Unfortunately he just got it too high.”
Mortlock, Australia’s captain at the 2007 World Cup in France, is in Japan with several other former Wallabies, whom he said all shared his concerns for the rest of the tournament.
“Prior to the World Cup, other ex-Wallabies that I caught up with we were all in agreement that we really hoped that this World Cup wasn’t affected by red cards,” Mortlock said.
“But I’m now drawn to the conclusion that that’s categorically going to happen.”
The Wallabies have until Friday night to appeal Hodge’s ban. If not, he will become available if Australia qualify for the quarter-finals.
– AAP
Comments on RugbyPass
Ardie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to comments