'Height of stupidity': All Blacks forward sin-binned for 'unnecessary' act
The All Blacks responded to their shock loss to the Wallabies in Perth to come out of the gates steaming to lead 17-0 at half-time despite hooker Dane Coles receiving a yellow for an “illegal clean out”.
The Wallabies were already 17-0 down and defending on their line in a slugfest in the wet at Eden Park when Coles cleaned out halfback Nic White at the ruck.
But replays showed Coles took White past the ruck and then with his hand making contact with his neck, flung the halfback into the ground.
Coles was shown a yellow card for the “illegal clean out” and the commentators agreed with the referee’s decision.
The physicality of the All Blacks at the breakdown was a sign they were up for the contest, according to the Fox Sports panel.
“It is a clear indication that the All blacks are trying to out muscle the Wallabies at the breakdown,” the commentator said.
Many fans on social media labelled the clean out as dirty.
The height of stupidity from Coles, though it is strange seeing Peyper refereeing the All Blacks somewhat properly.
— Colin McBride (@colin_a_mcbride) August 17, 2019
Listening to the @AllBlacks commentators defend the Coles neck throw explains the outlook of @AllBlacks rugby. But should it happen to them then hear the whine lol! No place for that in this game guys, no matter how you spin it #SSRugby #AllBlacks #Wallabies #BledisloeCup
— Greg Coetsee (@gdcoetsee) August 17, 2019
This might be the most undisciplined set of All Blacks players we have seen in a long time. Silly, unnecessary, sin bin worthy fouls like that are becoming a far too familiar sight. #BledisloeCup #NZLvAUS
— Jordan Patu (@Jordan_Patu) August 17, 2019
The @AllBlacks are playing well but need to be a bit smarter. That was a bit unnecessary... #NZLvAUS
— Interested Onlooker (@oddsgettingeven) August 17, 2019
Despite being a man down in the forward line the All Blacks dominated the next scrum.
Fortunately for the Wallabies, the proceeding penalty was missed to keep the deficit at only 17 points going into half-time.