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NZ pundit's withering response to those calling Bledisloe cards 'soft'
By Ian Cameron
New Zealand pundit and commentator Scotty Stevenson has Tweeted the perfect repost to those calling the red cards handed out during Bledisloe IV ‘soft’.
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A fiery contest in Queensland saw a number of questionable hits being delivered on either side of the ball. Australia’s Lachlan Swinton was red-carded, not long after New Zealander tighthead Ofa Tu’ungafasi, who was given his marching orders for a high tackle.
Ofa Tu’ungafasi shown a red card for this high tackle on Australia’s Tom Wright.
All Blacks face playing 60 minutes with 14 men in Brisbane #AUSvNZLpic.twitter.com/BNZNNxDMMg
— The Rugby Paper (@TheRugbyPaper) November 7, 2020
It inevitably led to criticism on Twitter, with many calling the decisions soft and saying that they had ruined the game. However, well regarded New Zealander rugby pundit Stevenson was quick to put them back in their place with a withering rebuke.
“The amount of people calling these cards ‘soft’ who would never have the ability to play pro rugby for a living…
“It’s okay for referees to protect people’s livelihoods/brains while still letting superior athletes entertain you, sitting on your ass, drinking beers.”
The amount of people calling these cards ‘soft’ who would never have the ability to play pro rugby for a living…
It’s okay for referees to protect people’s livelihoods/brains while still letting superior athletes entertain you, sitting on your ass, drinking beers.
— Scotty Stevenson (@sumostevenson) November 7, 2020
‘Sumo’ defended the decisions, writing: “Honestly. The law is clear. An All Black would have to pull a gun for Marshy to call foul play.”
This is not an opinion. It’s the laws of the game. The time to disagree with those laws is not IN a game. A referee can’t.
— Scotty Stevenson (@sumostevenson) November 7, 2020
Needless to say plenty didn’t agree with his take on it. One Tweeter posted: “Is the Ref your cousin or something?” to which Stevenson replied:
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Yes, it’s like your marriage. https://t.co/gEFxJAkSx3
— Scotty Stevenson (@sumostevenson) November 7, 2020
