Israel Folau citing could turn game ‘into under-12s’, Waratahs warn
Outrage over World Rugby’s citing continues as Israel Folau prepares his defence.
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RUGBY would become “a nanny state” if Israel Folau is suspended for his challenge in the air against Irish captain Peter O’Mahony, Waratahs forwards coach Simon Cron said.
The Tahs are expecting Folau to be cleared at a hearing to be set for Wednesday, anticipating he’ll be able to play in Friday’s crucial Super Rugby clash against the Rebels in Melbourne.
“I’d be stunned if he’s not available, personally I think it’s an interesting decision to even send him there,” Cron said.
“They’ve made that call, so he’ll go and defend himself. You probably saw it, personally I think if you’re in the air and you’re three foot off the ground, four feet off the ground, he’s quite high off the ground.
“I would think (Ireland would) look at their one-man lifting technique. I know, we do a lot of it.
“I’d be surprised. It’d be a bit of a nanny state if they pull him.”
FUMING: Wallabies anger of Folau citing
Folau was cited for the ninth-minute challenge in last Saturday’s Test defeat to Ireland at Allianz Stadium, a move that stunned Australian rugby officials and players.
O’Mahony was being lifted by only one teammate, CJ Stander, and fell awkwardly more so because of Stander’s instability than contact by Folau.
In the three instances Folau challenged O’Mahony for kick-off ball, he won possession back for the Wallabies, which means he was in a realistic position to catch the ball.
That has been World Rugby’s marker of when aerial challenges are acceptable.
If they citing commission finds Folau guilty of dangerous contact with O’Mahony, it would have to be in the split second before winning the ball back and falling to the ground.
It would create a huge grey area around competing for the ball, and encourage teams to stick to the one-lifter tactic and have teammates fall to win penalties and force yellow cards.
“My understanding of the law is that when you’re both competing for the ball, you’re both competing for the ball,’ Cron said.
“The only way around that is maybe we change the sport and say you’re not allowed to leave the ground and turn it into under-12s. I’m not sure.
"My view is that Stander's lift wasn't as strong as it could have been" @pHDunner weighs in on the three incidents with Israel Folau... pic.twitter.com/r6APMAkoLQ
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) June 25, 2018
Israel Folau getting punished for dangerous play for a superb piece of athleticism against a player who is so high in the air because he's being lifted. The lift is just as dangerous as playing him in the air
— Rúaidhrà O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) June 23, 2018
“We’ve had presentation after presentation. We’ve had (referee) Angus Gardner in here and he’s shown us video of what goes, what doesn’t.
“We’re really clear on what we think you’re allowed to do and not allowed to do. And it states it in the law. So I’d be surprised if it changes.
“I think they just need to revisit it themselves.”
A World Rugby spokesman said the performances of referee Pascal Gauzere and television match official Ben Skeen would be reviewed after a number of controversial calls in last weekend’s Test won 20-16 by Ireland.
“As is the normal procedure, all match official team performances are thoroughly reviewed to identify and implement any learnings and inform future appointments,” the spokesman said.
“This process includes the regular workshops for head coaches and match officials, which will continue and are invaluable to alignment in a dynamic and sometimes complicated sport.”
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