'This is not soccer' - Aaron Smith criticised for milking play against the spirit of the game
Trending on RugbyPass
- 1 Woodward takes another Erasmus pop
- 2 Springbok coach defends Kwagga
- 3 Why Lions ignored Warburton's call
- 4 Conan backs 'complete freak'
- 5 Nonu helps midfielder get recall
All Black halfback has been in sublime form in Super Rugby Aotearoa but his actions have come under the microscope after ‘pulling a hollywood’.
With Blues prop Karl Tu’inukuafe trying to get out of the way, Aaron Smith took off from the base of the ruck and ‘tripped’ over the big man who happened to be in an offside position.
As play unfolded, two passes later Blues flanker snatched a long pass and ran 70-metres the other way to score under the posts. After some incessant badgering to the ref, the TMO was called to take a look at the play involving Smith.
As a result, the Blues try was rubbed out and the Highlanders were awarded a penalty.
Smith’s role in milking the situation was widely condemned online, led by former All Black prop Wyatt Crockett who said it was ‘not in the spirt of the game’. Other fans were livid, calling the decision ‘disgraceful’ and ‘bulls***’.
Wyatt Crockett on Aaron Smith: "Aaron's basically pulling a Hollywood to milk his team a penalty, and that's not in the spirit of our game"
Yours please … #HIGvBLU
— Andrew Gourdie (@AndrewGourdie) August 2, 2020
I have seen some bad decisions in Super Rugby , but this is the worst ever – just pure grubbery from Aaron Smith. #HIGvBLU absolutely ? try
— Joel (@_J0EL_) August 2, 2020
He has milked that for all it's worth. This has to be a try #HIGvBLU
— Guy Heveldt (@GuyHeveldt) August 2, 2020
The problem with ruling that no try is you reward a guy for the kind of BS we fight so hard to keep out of rugby.#HIGvBLU https://t.co/O0LQnbMtOP
— Ryan Nixon (@NewYorkNixon) August 2, 2020
That's an absolutely disgraceful call from the refs there. Where's he meant to go!? He's tried to get out of the way…. #HIGvBLU
— marc sepetowski (@sepo_efc) August 2, 2020
That's stupid – ref makes the call that Smith milked it. TMO review proves ref correct yet they rule penalty? #HIGvBLU
— BOP Mafia (@bopmafia) August 2, 2020
That is a disgraceful call. @Te_Nug has played a blinder by tripping over thin air 2 feet away from Karl, and the ref has bitten hook, line and sinker. A 10 point play in games these tight are not okay. #HIGvBLU
— Scott (@ThievinBandito) August 2, 2020
The fact that smith lifted his leg to aim it into his hip to me says that it all about whether it was milking #HIGvBLU
— Steve (@littlesteve) August 2, 2020
Absolute bullshit call. #HIGvBLU
— Ruth Thielke (@sillymidoff) August 2, 2020
This is not soccer #HIGvBLU
— vertigo (@vertigodss) August 2, 2020
Time to deliver the milk Aaron Smith.
#HIGvBLU— ContemporaryWife (@BwahaDenise) August 2, 2020
BS man! Aaron getting away with his tricks again ? #HIGvBLU
— Déna (@datkiwideens) August 2, 2020
Aaron Smith absolutely milked that. Would fit in well in Neymar FC. You can clearly see him trip himself before touching the guy #HIGvBLU #SuperRugbyAotearoa pic.twitter.com/Nww7Vc9PIk
— BenJavert (@benjavert) August 2, 2020
Rival Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara is renown for throwing passes into backtracking runners or feigning difficulty getting the ball when players are trapped on the wrong side of the ruck but Smith’s obvious and forced acting was something that is usually seen on a football field.
The momentum swing didn’t impact the game as the Blues were able to strike a little while later through halfback Finlay Christie to take a 24-18 lead at halftime, before racing ahead 32-16 early in the second half.
The nation best placed for southern dominance With different build-ups faced by the competing nations, who are favourites for the Rugby Championship? David Havili proving All Blacks dream is alive and real More often than not, it can take a little bit of time before players really embed themselves into test rugby. Building the All Blacks around Richie Mo’unga’s Crusaders Analysis: The All Blacks are building their attack around the in-form Richie Mo'unga. TJ Perenara the new guide for integrating returning All Blacks TJ Perenara will follow a different path back into the All Blacks than Beauden Barrett and Brodie Retallick. Ian Foster’s All Blacks vision taking slow steps forward We don't yet have a full appreciation of what Ian Foster is trying to do as head coach of the All Blacks. Trending on RugbyPass
More News Recommended
- Watch: Caleb Clarke shows his prowess as New Zealand's form wing as Blues slice Highlanders defence to score
- Report: Argentina to play in South American Championship ahead of Rugby Championship
- Sam Cane silences the critics with statement performance over Crusaders upstart back row
Mailing List
Sign up to our mailing list for a weekly digest from the wide world of rugby.
Sign Up Now