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Ireland fans aren't happy with Bundee Aki ban

Referee Nic Berry shows Ireland's Bundee Aki a red card in Fukuoka (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Following his red card against Samoa on Saturday, Ireland centre Bundee Aki has been banned for three weeks, bringing an end to his Rugby World Cup.

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The Connacht back faced a lengthy hearing on Monday, and the committee decided to uphold the red card decision by referee Nic Berry, although Ireland can still appeal. This is despite the Irish Rugby Football Union’s claims that Aki did not have time to adjust his body, and that UJ Seuteni dropped his height.

However, World Rugby have said that the “committee did not accept that there was sufficient evidence of a sudden drop in the ball carrier‘s height.” Furthermore, they also said: “Although the tackle occurred quickly, the player’s tackle height was high and it was accepted he did not make a definite attempt to change his height in order to avoid the ball carrier’s head.”

In light of this decision, there has been a sizeable reaction of social media from those who simply do not understand how Aki can receive the same ban as others have in the RWC.

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The tackle was dangerous, and while it is mitigated by the fact that both players were charging towards a loose ball, some do understand that it was a red card. But what seems to be confusing many people is this blanket three-week ban that has been handed out to so many players.

Like most players this RWC who have been banned for high shots to the head, Aki received a six-week ban that was reduced to three, and that is understandable as it was not the worst offence this RWC. However, compared to the three-week bans that Italian props Andrea Lovotti and Nicola Quaglio received for a tip tackle on Duane Vermeulen, it does seem strange.

While that was a different tackle, and therefore harder to compare, the USA’s John Quill equally received a three-week ban for his high tackle to Owen Farrell.

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In both cases, Farrell and Vermeulen were able to play on, which opens the debate as to whether the outcome should have a bearing on the decision. While Aki’s tackle had worse effects, there was no malice, or certainly far less than the other two offences.

Conversely, the fact that England centre Piers Francis received no ban for a high tackle that was missed against USA fullback Will Hooley has also left some fans questioning the entire process.

This has been the reaction:
https://twitter.com/iancognito16/status/1183750062578585600?s=20
https://twitter.com/ZippyChuck/status/1183752131695828992?s=20
https://twitter.com/nkeegan/status/1183754242118635522?s=20
https://twitter.com/cornerback4fun/status/1183755533565612032?s=20
https://twitter.com/jimmacmillan2/status/1183755842048401408?s=20
https://twitter.com/Jakepaullogang0/status/1183760072066895872?s=20
https://twitter.com/MikeDolley/status/1183766708881940480?s=20
https://twitter.com/themikekeating/status/1183771095595401218?s=20

On reflection, this ban perhaps highlights where World Rugby went wrong when banning the Italian props. Aki’s ban seems in line with many other players who have committed dangerous tackles without malice so far this RWC. Realistically, Lovotti and Quaglio can deem themselves extremely lucky rather than Aki see himself as unlucky after this ordeal.

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Even with 14 men for over 40 minutes, Ireland were too strong for Samoa at the Level-5 Stadium, as they won 47-5. They face the All Blacks in the quarter-final, but will be without their bulldozing centre.

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O
Oh no, not him again? 2 hours ago
England internationals disagree on final play execution vs All Blacks

Okay, so we blew it big time on Saturday. So rather than repeating what most people have all ready said, what do I want to see from Borthwick going forward?


Let's keep Marcus Smith on the pitch if he's fit and playing well. I was really pleased with his goal kicking. It used to be his weakness. I feel sympathy for George Ford who hadn't kicked all match and then had a kick to win the game. You hear pundits and commentators commend kickers who have come off the bench and pulled that off. Its not easy. If Steve B continues to substitute players with no clear reason then he is going to get criticised.


On paper I thought England would beat NZ if they played to their potential and didn't show NZ too much respect. Okay, the off the ball tackles certainly stopped England scoring tries, but I would have liked to see more smashing over gainlines and less kicking for position. Yes, I also know it's the Springbok endorsed world cup double winning formula but the Kiwi defence isn't the Bok defence, is it. If you have the power to put Smith on the front foot then why muzzle him? I guess what I'm saying is back, yourself. Why give the momentum to a team like NZ? Why feed the beast? Don't give the ball to NZ. Well d'uh.


Our scrum is a long term weakness. If you are going to play Itoje then he needs an ogre next door and a decent front row. Where is our third world class lock? Where are are realible front row bench replacements? The England scrum has been flakey for a while now. It blows hot and cold. Our front five bench is not world class.


On the positive side I love our starting backrow right now. I'd like to see them stick together through to the next world cup.


Anyway, there is always another Saturday.

7 Go to comments
C
CO 2 hours ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

Robertson is more a manager of coaches than a coach so it comes down to intent of outcomes at a high level. I like his intent, I like the fact his Allblacks are really driving the outcomes however as he's pointed out the high error rates are not test level and their control of the game is driving both wins and losses. England didn't have to play a lot of rugby, they made far fewer mistakes and were extremely unlucky not to win.


In fact the English team were very early in their season and should've been comfortably beaten by an Allblacks team that had played multiple tests together.


Razor has himself recognised that to be the best they'll have to sort out the crisis levels of mistakes that have really increased since the first two tests against England.


Early tackles were a classic example of hyper enthusiasm to not give an inch, that passion that Razor has achieved is going to be formidable once the unforced errors are eliminated.


That's his secret, he's already rebuilt the passion and that's the most important aspect, its inevitable that he'll now eradicate the unforced errors. When that happens a fellow tier one nation is going to get thrashed. I don't think it will be until 2025 though.


The Allblacks will lose both tests against Ireland and France if they play high error rates rugby like they did against England.


To get the unforced errors under control he's going to be needing to handover the number eight role to Sititi and reset expectations of what loose forwards do. Establish a clear distinction with a large, swarthy lineout jumper at six that is a feared runner and dominant tackler and a turnover specialist at seven that is abrasive in contact. He'll then need to build depth behind the three starters and ruthlessly select for that group to be peaking in 2027 in hit Australian conditions on firm, dry grounds.


It's going to help him that Savea is shifting to the worst super rugby franchise where he's going to struggle behind a beaten pack every week.


The under performing loose forward trio is the key driver of the high error rates and unacceptable turn overs due to awol link work. Sititi is looking like he's superman compared to his openside and eight.


At this late stage in the season they shouldn't be operating with just the one outstanding loose forward out of four selected for the English test. That's an abject failure but I think Robertson's sacrificing link quality on purpose to build passion amongst the junior Allblacks as they see the reverential treatment the old warhorses are receiving for their long term hard graft.


It's unfortunately losing test matches and making what should be comfortable wins into nail biters but it's early in the world cup cycle so perhaps it's a sacrifice worth making.


However if this was F1 then Sam Cane would be Riccardo and Ardie would be heading into Perez territory so the loose forwards desperately need revitalisation through a rebuild over the next season to complement the formidable tight five.

28 Go to comments
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