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Yellow cards should be abolished in international rugby, with the series between the All Blacks and England providing proof of the damage yellow cards are doing to the game.
England was reduced to 14 players in every Test of the series and outscored 25-10 while down a man.
Had it been 15 on 15 for the entire series England would have drawn the series and the overall score across three Tests would have been 59-55 to the All Blacks.
In the first Test, Marland Yarde was yellow carded in the 69th minute. The score was 12-12; the All Blacks won 20-15.
In the second Test Owen Farrell was yellow carded in the 58th minute. The score was 18-13. The All Blacks outscored England 10-0 and won 28-27.
The referee was technically correct to dismiss both Yarde and Farrell; however were the offences – infringements at the ruck – worthy of being without a player for ten minutes in such key moments?
While questioning a refereeing decision, Tana Umaga once famously quipped, “We’re not playing tiddlywinks.”
International rugby is a fast, explosive game where players have little time to react. The referee has the option of a penalty, and advancing sides 10 metres and the penalty try for consistent infringements; a send-off should be the last resort. If necessary, deal with it after the match.
Vicious fouls like spear tackles, biting and eye-gouging should of course result in a red card. Australia has had four players sent off in 566 tests, the world record for most yellow cards in a Test five. The All Blacks have had two players sent off in 512 Tests; their record for most yellow cards in a Test is three.
Are most yellow cards serious enough to have players off the field?
Keep rugby 15 on 15!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.