The introduction of a disciplinary report system rather than issuing red cards is gathering steam with Super Rugby coaches Tony Brown and Daryl Gibson agreeing World Rugby needs to examine the concept.
Brown’s Sunwolves spent the entire second half of their clash with Gibson’s Waratahs with 14 men after Semisi Masirewa was red carded for a lifting tackle on Bernard Foley.
The Sunwolves also spent the final 10 minutes with just 13 players after Fumiaki Tanaka was given a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Jake Gordon in the 77-25 loss that guaranteed the Australian conference title for the Waratahs.
Brown says: “I think it was [All Blacks coach] Steve Hansen who said that just put players on report like they do in league and play on.
“Maybe a yellow card and then if it’s a serious incident then he gets suspended after the game.
“Then the game is not affected as much as it was tonight or in the All Blacks Test against France.”
Gibson adds: “I certainly support that, the effect that it [the red card] has on the game it takes away the contest.”