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'We do have a problem in rugby': Stormers coach weighs in on red cards
Stormers head coach John Dobson says rugby is facing problems with laws relating to safety and the number of red cards that are being dished out week in and week out.
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There were two red cards and two yellow cards shown in the Stormers’ 28-14 win over London Irish in a Champions Cup Round Three encounter in Brentford.
Both red cards were for the home team with Ben Loader getting his marching orders after 17 minutes for a high tackle (head-on-head collision) on Manie Libbok. Ciaran Parker got a red card early in the second half for a dangerous cleanout on Deon Fourie.
Libbok had to be replaced and he failed his head injury assessment, which means he will not be involved in the Stormers’ clash against Clermont on Saturday.
“I would differentiate slightly between Ben Loader’s thing, which is at high speed, and Deon Fourie getting hit. We can control that [cleanout] to a large degree than Loader’s situation.
“Those are where all the dangerous breaks are – on the top of the head like that. That is where guys are really exposed.
“We do have a problem in rugby.
“It was a cracking game until the numbers went down and I felt we got poorer and London Irish played the only way they could play. I think they dominated possession.”
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A few other Champions Cup clashes this weekend also had red cards for high tackles and illegal cleanouts, which ruined the contest in some.
It has been a major talking point in rugby for a while now.
“It’s such a complex issue that is dominating the game. I do think strongly that the jacklers, when attempting turnovers, must be protected from leading shoulders. That is controllable,” Dobson explained.
“I do think we are in a grey area when it comes to rugby collisions. You can’t have the Springbok flyhalf going off concussed and I am sure that is a red card.
“However, it’s something where we as a game need to get better.
“The cards were cards. I respect them and understand them and I agree with them.
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“This rugby collision story is a tricky area.”
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
39 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
39 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
39 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
51 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
39 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
39 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
39 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
39 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to comments