Rugby Tri Nations: All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan calls for the sport’s red cards to be removed

The great Sir John Kirwan of the All Blacks has criticized World Rugby in its handling of the red cards, even going so far as to say that the infraction should be removed from the sport.

The red card issue has returned to national consciousness thanks to two expulsions during the Wallabies’ 24-22 win over the All Blacks over the weekend, featuring All Blacks mainstay Ofa Tuungafasi and Australian rookie Lachlan. Swinton receiving red cards. for high entrances.

Speaking on Sky Sport’s The Breakdown, an enthusiastic Kirwan argued that red cards ruin the sport’s spectacle and he wants it to disappear from the game.

“Our game doesn’t need red cards,” Kirwan said. “I don’t think there is anyone in our game who comes out intentionally to hurt someone. So if it’s a red card, they go off and someone replaces them for 15 minutes. People have paid good money to watch a rugby game with 15 “A-side. That’s my biggest problem.”

“They say the worst thing for rugby is slow motion … what people don’t realize is that once Ofa has committed to that, and actually from a tackle technique it looked pretty good, it happened very fast”.

Kirwan said World Rugby is considering modifying the red card rule once again and criticized the governing body for its decision-making over the years on the issue.

“World Rugby are always retrospectively [looking at things]”Kirwan said.” Are we always going to look at this material post?

“This is what really bothers me about World Rugby. Making some decisions for the entertainment of the game, for the fan, informing people or replacing them.

“Let’s leave the referees alone. If I think a referee has not done well, I will say so because they are like players, they are professionals and they should be open to scrutiny. But it is not their fault. He is following a protocol I think protocols they are wrong and we have to change them.

“We need a World Rugby decision, but this century. Not until something else happens. Lives are at stake, people’s salaries [are at stake]. A lot is happening now in professional sports. I think the rugby league does a better job of making quick decisions. “

The All Blacks are fighting the Tuungafasi case before a Sanzaar judicial committee, but the pillar is likely to face a ban for its red card offense. Swinton has been suspended for four weeks for his expulsion.