FLANKER JOHAN DU Toit got the benefit of a difference of opinion between Super Rugby officials this afternoon after a dangerous tackle took scrum-half Louis Schreuder out in the air.
The Sharks 9 had to be stretchered off after the nasty landing appeared to knock him out.
Reviewing the collision TMO Willie Vos advised a red card for the incident straight from the kick-off, but referee AJ Jacobs decided to award a yellow card 12 seconds into the match.
Du Toit, younger brother of world player of the year Pieter-Steph, returned to help the Stormers in a tight contest. They took a 13-14 lead with just under 20 minutes to go in Durban, but the boot of Curwin Bosch guided the Sharks back into control before Makazole Mapimpi crossed to seal a deserved 24-14 win.
Earlier this morning, Brad Thorn’s Queensland Reds battled back from an early 17-point deficit to beat the Bulls 41-17.
Rosko Specman was in sensational form for the South African side as they scorched to an early lead, but the hosts found a superb rhythm through high-paced offloading attack and forced six tries without response to seal the win.
All day long that is a red.
Clear red. Deliberate tackle in the air. He should get a lengthy ban but they’ll probably cut it in half for good behaviour and admission of guilt.
Ha, madness.
Was a awful tackle.
Was a red, for been stupid if nothing
What was the ref’s reasoning? Looks a cut-and-dried “never realistically challenging” situation from the clip
@Eoghan Quinn: Not just that, he didnt jump and shoed no duty of care
@Eoghan Quinn: The law for tackles in the air is refereed based on the outcome.
If the player falls on their shoulder, neck or head; it can be considered a red card. However, if they fall on their back; a yellow card is the maximum punishment.
The referee said that, because the tackled player fell on the flat of their back, it was a yellow card only.
@EK: incorrect, he could have a broken collar bone as outcome. Several months off on the way.
@EK: plus outcome is no longer the defining factor, action is ruled first, in high tackles for example;-)