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Mon 20 Jul 2020 | 03:50
Warburton red card 2011 - the decision that rocked world rugby

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Comments

Wales legend Sam Warburton was famously shown a red card in the first half of the 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-final against France.

The open side flanker made a brutal dump tackle on French winger Vincent Clerc which referee Alain Rolland decided was worthy of a straight red card in the 18th minute at Eden Park.

Commentators and pundits were outraged by the decision and while Wales head coach Warren Gatland and Warburton expressed their disappointment, they were gracious in defeat after the French came away with a 9-8 win in Auckland.

To this day it remains one of the most controversial decisions in world rugby and arguably cost Wales a spot in the final against the All Blacks.

Posted By: Shaywaterworth

2 Comments

  • franciscorrigan
    12:21 PM 22/07/2020

    The laws were quite clear and the only decision Rolland could give was a red card, regardless of what the pundits said. Whether it's a club game or a World cup semi-final makes no difference. That said, perhaps rugby need a similar law to ice hockey, where an ejected player can be replaced after ten minutes.

  • colombes
    4:51 PM 21/07/2020

    FFS, let it go ;)

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