Nearly four months have past since the term ‘tip-tackle’ became a common term in the vocabulary of anyone who loves Welsh rugby. SION MORGAN explains that even though many of us have chosen to try and erase that stomach-churning memory of Sam Warburton in the World Cup semi-final, it remains an area of the game which needs much more clarity.
OCTOBER 15, 2011. A day Sam Warburton – and probably Irish referee Alain Rolland – will never forget.
The captain of a young, exciting Wales team was lighting up the World Cup with his international colleagues.
Welsh fans were dreaming of a World Cup final appearance – and maybe more.
But everything changed in the 18th minute of that clash with France at New Zealand’s Eden Park as Warburton saw red for a tackle on Vincent Clerc.
Since that dismissal Warburton himself has stated: “I didn’t have a leg to stand on. It was a red card, no question.”
His only argument, he said, was that “the laws might be a bit harsh because I think the referee should be able to interpret the law depending on the situation.”
After a memorable opening Six Nations weekend the interpretation of that law is again under the spotlight.
The sin-binning of Ireland back row Stephen Ferris and Wales second row Bradley Davies for dangerous tackles during the clash at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Sunday have re-ignited a debate that has now become a chronic issue.
The first tackle from Bradley Davies on Ireland second row Donnacha O’Callaghan was reckless, dangerous and, according to Wales coach Warren Gatland, a red card.
“I think there’s intent and if you look at that and ask me, there’s definitely an intent in there,” said Gatland.
“So I wouldn’t argue with the decision of that being given a red card.”
The second from Stephen Ferris on Ian Evans was to the letter of the law a penalty – despite no clear danger on the Welsh lock.
And yet both players received yellow cards.
So what is the rule? Where is the consistency? And when should punishment be applied?
Robert Burns, creator of RugbyRefs.com, a website developed specifically for rugby union referees from around the world, says players have to learn the rules.
He said: “For some referees Alain Rolland has done more to promote the un-acceptance of the tip/spear tackle within our game than what the IRB has managed to do in four years of memo writing.
“It’s fairly clear after Warburton’s now infamous red card that this tackle is not acceptable in our game.
“It’s nice to see that commentators are starting to understand that this is a red card, but I still find it amazing that they are actually trying to justify why it shouldn’t be.
“Players and coaches need to understand that this type of tackle is going to lose you a player not just for 10 minutes, should they get away with receiving a yellow card, but for a few
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