The All Blacks were at one stage reduced to 13 men in a bizarre second Test against Ireland after a sickening head clash drew a red card.
Angus Ta’avao collided with Garry Ringrose in the 30th minute at Forsyth Barr Stadium, leaving the pair flat on the field (watch the video in the player above).
Both players received medical attention and before he could make his way off the field for a head injury assessment, referee Jaco Peyper pulled the red card from his pocket.
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“He steps right into him, no level change, no mitigation,” Peyper said.
“At the moment, there’s a player responsibility on the tackler to level change.”
All Blacks captain Sam Cane pleaded his case, though there was little that could change Peyper’s mind after reviewing the footage.
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“That was directly into him, there’s no change of direction,” he explained.
“Unfortunately, I’m going to have to give him a red card.”
Ireland led 10-7 at halftime as they hunt for their first victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand.
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The All Blacks found themselves in the wars early on.
Leicester Fainga’anuku was sent off in the 17th minute after he made awkward contact with Mack Hansen.
Fainga’anuku jumped to make a charge down, but braced himself as he landed and went shoulder-first into Hansen’s chest then head.
Shortly thereafter, the All Blacks got away with only a yellow card after Ofa Tu’ungafasi tackled a player without the ball, briefly reducing the side to 13 men.
All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan said the Fainga’anuku yellow was harsh but that Peyper had no other option but to show Ta’avao red under the current guidelines.
Injured Test star Anton Lienert-Brown added that it was “the most unusual half of rugby I’ve ever seen.”
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