Quote ="Andy Gilder"While I'm on a roll then...
Mark Bryant's elbow/forearm.
Having not had the benefit of watching it back since the original broadcast, I might get corrected here. I'm not sure when I saw it full speed that he makes any movement towards the head of the defender with his arm.
It's a low carry and the arm is bent at right angles in towards his chest, but he didn't seem to "strike" with it as much as Smith got his head in Bryant's hip area and copped one for his pains.
I'd put it down as accidental, no need for a trip to Red Hall in the week but a reminder that as the ball carrier he has a responsibility to watch where his forearms/elbows are when he goes into contact.'"
I think you're having a senior moment here, the Bryant incident took place from the Sammut kick-off following one of our tries.
As Smith took the ball he was flattened by Bryant. I have watched it again & don't consider that Bryant raised his elbow but he did hit Smith on the side of the face with his upper arm.
Penalty for headhigh contact correctly given by Ganson but NFA in my view.
There were a number of incidents during the game when players were flattened by legitimate shoulder charges but I do wonder if it isn't now time to ban such contact since it often leads to "accidental" contact with the head.
Such tackles have been banned in RU because they are considered to be dangerous & are penalised.
To tackle someone has to involve the use of the arms.
I love to see big hits as much as anyone but do cringe whenever I see them.
