The differences between Rugby League and Union are often debated on this site, but they can not have not been demonstrated more accutely than by the dismissal of Sam Warburton during the Wales v France game on Saturday for what, in my opinion, was nothing more than a really good tackle.
Surely this would have gone unpunished in League. Wouldn't it?
As an ex-union player I would say the tackle did NOT warrant a straight red. The player was committed to the tackle and the body movements menat the french players legs went above his head. Had the Welsh player been able to bring him down safely it would only have been a penalty. There was no malice in the tackle so a fair situation would have been penalty and yellow card. (eventhough he's Irish, does anybody else think that "Alain" is such a french sounding name!)
Penalty to France, worst case a yellow or put on report.
It's clear that that French players momentum means his legs fly up.
Warburton lets go too late, doesn't protect the player from fallling on his head.
Not good but no more than a yellow as there was no intent.
In league or union it should be penalized but what would have happened if he had shown intent - a double red??
The ref was wrong - regardless of what the RU bosses say - imo of course!
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