Serial offender Tomas Lavanini once again failed to keep his discipline in check. This time, the giant lock flew recklessly into a ruck and struck Cian Healy very high with his shoulder, drawing the third red card of his Test career.
This third red card is also added to his tally of seven yellow cards at Test level.
Opposing players seem to have certainly grown tired of the cheap shots. One has to wonder how much of a liability he is to Los Pumas going forward with this kind of decision-making.
WATCH: Late Lavanini shot ends his Test match early against the Springboks
Ireland stand-in skipper Peter O’Mahony was certainly fed up enough to issue a tongue-lashing. O’Mahony took on the captaincy after James Ryan was forced off with an injury.
“That’s a ****ing red. You’re a scumbag. Scumbag stuff! You know exactly what you’re doing,” said a fired-up O’Mahony.
“He knows exactly what he’s doing. Scumbag.
“Hardman… That’s very unlike you…”
The reaction was understandable. However, referee Matthew Carley reminded him of his need to lead by example, prompting an apology from O’Mahony.
Argentina seeing red! 🟥#C4Rugby | #IrishRugby ☘️ | #IREvARG pic.twitter.com/lVTtWQCsNx
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) November 21, 2021
WATCH: Lavanini sent off for high tackle on Owen Farrell
O’Mahony was much calmer when speaking after the match.
“Ah look, it’s heat of the moment stuff… I’ve been on the other side of that as well so it’s a split-second decision from his point of view.”
“These things happen. It’s split-second stuff for him. He’s trying to make an effort to clean someone out and he’s got it wrong.”
“That’s what I thought at the time and you’re trying to look after your buddies, looking after your mates and the last thing you want is for them to get injured.”
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