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Rob Kearney's late hit on Tom Curry still has fans bemused that it went unpunished

Tom Curry

A common theme in international rugby over the past month has been the number of dangerous and illegal challenges that are discussed in the wake of the matches. 

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England’s 57-15 win over Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday was no different, with a few players deemed lucky to avoid being cited. 

One particular incident in the match was Rob Kearney’s late clothes-line of Tom Curry in the build-up to Elliot Daly’s try. 

The flanker gave the final pass to Daly before being cleaned out by Ireland’s full-back, leaving many England fans on Twitter still questioning how it was not picked up. 

As England scored a try immediately after, Kearney’s hit may have slipped under the radar in the furore of the score. But that does not seem to be an excuse for the England fans who feel that this was dangerous play from the Leinster man. 

Irish fans have responded by highlighting Manu Tuilagi’s hit on Jordan Larmour in the second-half, although that hit is far more debatable as to whether it was legal or not. A debate has subsequently ensued comparing the two hits, but England fans feel Kearney’s was far worse. 

Unlike these two incidents, George Kruis was punished in the final stages of the game for a late hit on Jack Carty, something that he immediately knew was wrong. 

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But at a time where almost every tackle is scrutinised at great depth, England fans feel somewhat aggrieved that Kearney was neither punished during or after the match. 

Had the scoreline been closer, this tackle may have caused even more outrage, as Dan Biggar’s tackle on Maro Itoje did the week before, but missing incidents like these may concern some fans with the World Cup approaching. This is what has been said: 

https://twitter.com/rafebilbe/status/1165784687031312388?s=20

https://twitter.com/Ellismorgan3/status/1166341265736249350?s=20

https://twitter.com/Charlie_Boy1971/status/1165679362533928967?s=20

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As mentioned, the high shot from Biggar on Itoje last week proved to be a topic for debate, as did Paul Gabrillagues’ wreckless clear out at a ruck for France against Scotland, something that he was banned for. 

The officials cannot always be blamed for missing incidents like these, but there has been a disconcerting number missed over the last couple of weeks despite World Rugby’s determination to make rugby safer.

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fl 3 hours ago
Why Les Kiss and Stuart Lancaster can lead Australia to glory

“A succession of recent ex-players going straight back into the game as coaches in their early 40’s would prob be enough to kill it stone-dead. Innovation would die a death.”

Would it? I do think one of the major differences between rugby and most other sports - which we’ve been overlooking - is the degree to which players are expected to lead team meetings & analysis sessions and the like. Someone like Owen Farrell has basically been an assistant coach already for ten years - and he’s been so under a variety of different head coaches with different expectations and playing styles.


“The most interesting ppl I have met in the game have all coached well into their sixties and they value the time and opportunity they have had to reflect and therefore innovate in the game. That’s based on their ability to compare and contrast between multiple eras.”

I don’t doubt that that’s true. But having interesting insights doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be the best able to inspire a team, or the best at managing the backroom staff.


“Wayne Smith winning the WWC in his mid sixties three years ago prob means nothing to you but it meant a lot to him. It took him back to the roots of is own coaching journey.”

I don’t doubt that! But I don’t think coaches should be hired on the basis that it means a lot to them.


“The likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Wayne Bennett and Andy Reid all have a tale to tell. You should open your ears and listen to it!”

I agree! Never have I ever suggested otherwise!

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