Stephen Ferris has explained the dilemma Bundee Aki faced when attempting to clear out the ruck which led to his red card.
With the game at 19-8 to the Stormers, Connacht were on the attack when Mack Hansen was tackled, with Seabelo Senatla taking an excellent position to secure the ball.
Aki however, came flying into the ruck in an attempt to get Senatla out and move the ball quickly. But the Connacht centre was dangerous and reckless, making contact with Senatla’s head, leading to Aki receiving red.
"I fear for the length of ban he could get."
Bernard Jackman believes Bundee Aki faces a long suspension for his dangerous clear-out in Connacht's loss to the Stormers - and his remonstrating with the match officials. #RTERugby #AgainstTheHead pic.twitter.com/nXHxezd7tr— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) September 26, 2022
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The dangerous clear out lead to Senatla receiving a serious injury that could see him out for 3-6 months.
Yesterday it was confirmed that Aki would be banned for eight games, including crucial games against Munster and Leinster, while also suspended for Ireland's November series against South Africa and Fiji. He is allowed to play against Australia provided he completes the Head Contact Process Coaching Intervention.
While there was no denying it was a red card for Aki, Stephen Ferris questioned gave some fascinating technical analysis of the tackle and why Aki was so upset to be carded when speaking on The Buildup with Ladbrokes.
That’s an unbelievable clear out five years ago. You blitz him out, there’s minimal contact to he head, but there’s still contact with the head.
When Senatla is over the ball in a brilliant position as well, the jackal, the only way to get rid of him is with a lot of force, and he is just a little bit too low. But then if you are six inches higher you are straight onto the top of the neck.
How do you get rid of somebody that is in that strong of a position over the ball? If you come in slightly from the side, people say that you are targeting the lower limb area like we seen in the All Blacks-Aussie game.
Its so, so difficult, especially when you make that half line break, and then there’s maybe a second and a half, two seconds of clear daylight for the defence to get over the ball.”
A red card was the only fair punishment considering Aki's reaction and the integral Connacht centre now faces an extended period on the sideline. The fixture list doesn't get easier for Connacht, so it's a cruel blow for Andy Friend as he tries to kickstart Connacht's season.
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