Fans were divided on this Caleb Clarke red card from Super Rugby earlier on today.
The Blues took on Moana Pasifika at Eden Park earlier on today in week 7 of the competition. Only 2 weeks ago Moana Pasifika registered their first win in the competition after beating the Hurricanes in a historic result. Moana Pasifika won by a margin of 5 points with a scoreline of 24-19 against the Hurricanes. However, the following week they failed to continue their winning streak losing to the Blues 32-19.
Today however, it ended with an even bigger winning margin of 46-16 to the Blues. A big talking point that came out of the game was a red card given to Blues winger and All Black star Caleb Clarke in the 51st minute of play.
Caleb Clarke red card for his knee to the head 🟥 #BLUvMOA | #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/w9nwPLgYRh
— Saffas Abroad Rugby (@SaffasRugby) April 2, 2022
Following a break down the touchline, winger for Moana Pasifika Tomasi Alosio put in a chip ahead behind the defence. However as he was covering across, Clarke miss timed his chargedown attempt ending with his knee colliding with Alosio’s head. Clarke was awarded a red card however with a new law trial for the 2022 Super Rugby season, a substitute was allowed to replace Clarke after 20 minutes. The Blues only had to play with 14 players for 20 minutes of the game. Fans online were split and torn on the decision.
Fark….rugby is becoming a poor watch. No red there
— Grant Falconer (@grantf120) April 2, 2022
Had to be red
— Matthew Boyce (@hornbybrown) April 2, 2022
That is ridiculous! 🤦♂️ Rugby is turning into football. The man jumped to stop the kick – absolutely no malice or intent.
— Gareth Lewis 🏴 (@Gareth_Lewis_) April 2, 2022
That was an accident. Red card not warranted
— pamela (@PamelaSalalah) April 2, 2022
I have to agree with the red, the opposite play jumped in from the side, he would not have been able to stop the kick coming in from that position. So not a blocking of a kick. Red card.
— Metal_ Rebel 〓〓 (@Metal_Rebel) April 2, 2022
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