Former referee Nigel Owens says Ireland forwards Caelan Doris and James Ryan are fortunate not to face a harsher punishment for their clear-out on Bok star Malcolm Marx.
Marx faces up to six weeks on the sidelines with a fractured tibia following a horrific croc roll that earned Doris a yellow card in the second half of the Test between the world’s top-ranked teams in Durban last week.
The Springbok hooker limped his way through the rest of the match, having replaced Bongi Mbonambi in the 46th minute.
Speaking on World Rugby’s Whistle Watch, Owens addressed Doris and Ryan’s involvement in the clash on Marx while unpacking several flashpoints from the series-deciding win for the Irish at Kings Park.
“James Ryan can count himself fortunate as well because another day, another official, another team may well have viewed that he played a huge part as well and could well have sent him to the bunker too,” the Welshman said.
“The other question you’re asking is whether Caelan Doris’ yellow card should be upgraded to red.
“To be honest with you, it’s a very, very tough decision, and I don’t think there could have been any arguments if it would have been upgraded to a red card because the action is dangerous. That’s why the croc roll has been outlawed.
“So, Doris, on this occasion, can count himself very, very lucky because it could well have been a red card.”
Photo:Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Owens: Irish ‘lucky’ to escape heavy penalty appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
