It was a disappointing weekend for Andy Farrell's side after their 1st test defeat against New Zealand, despite a bright opening quarter of an hour. After news that Scott Barrett has avoided a citing following his dangerous shoulder to the head of Peter O'Mahony, former World Rugby referee Nigel Owens has given his opinion on the decision the referee made not to show the flanker a red card.
Nigel Owens on Scott Barrett's clear out on Peter O'Mahony
Ireland fell to a 42-19 defeat at the hands of the All Blacks on Saturday, but one decision which seemed to baffle on lookers and fans from both sides, was Scott Barrett's shoulder to Peter O'Mahony's head. The shoulder was ignored by referee Karl Dickson who was standing in plain view of the incident.
Had niggling doubt about the SA TMO interpretations earlier. But not even calling attention of Ref to Barret no arms shoulder on O'Mahony?
Have the laws changed, is this not dangerous play and usually called for a red card anymore? #NZvIRE pic.twitter.com/7liHRgdHhW— Sea__Point 🇺🇦 (@Sea__Point) July 2, 2022
READ HERE: Sam Prendergast The Hero As Ireland U20s Shock England
Speaking on his Youtube series 'Whistle Watch' with World Rugby, Nigel Owens said:
"Should it have been a red card? I think it should have been. Now then, you don't want to see that type of action. Scott Barrett goes in, into the head/neck area of Peter O'Mahony.
"Lets clear one thing up here, if an act of foul play is felt to be reckless or dangerous enough to warrant a red card, it doesn't matter in what part of the body the contact is.
"To me it is dangerous and warrants a red card itself. So for me Scott Barrett should have been red carded for this action. We don't want to see this type of play in the game"
The referee did penalise the New Zealand back row, but decided against showing a card to the flanker. The TMO didn't intervene and Scott Barrett has also not been cited for the reckless shoulder into the Munster flanker.
Ireland face the All Blacks in their 2nd test this Saturday at 8:05am and will be keener than ever to find a first ever win in New Zealand after their opening two defeats to New Zealand and the Maori All Blacks.
Here's the full episode of 'Whistle Watch', where the Welshman discusses a very busy week of rugby.
SEE ALSO: 'Sam Decided That He Wanted It' - Richie Murphy On Kick That Won It For Ireland
