Super Rugby Pacific news | Stephen Hoiles rips officials over ugly ‘cheap shot’ on Reds ace Tom Lynagh
0
0
Former Wallabies flanker Stephen Hoiles has teed off at officials for failing to show a yellow card for Samipeni Finau’s late “cheap shot” on Tom Lynagh.
The Reds fly-half was flattened by the Chiefs flanker in the third-round Super Rugby Pacific match, leaving Lynagh writhing on the pitch.
Speaking on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts, Hoiles was left wondering what the threshold was for a yellow card.
Watch all the action from the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, with every match ad-free, live and and on demand on Stan Sport
“In this day and age, why is that not a yellow? I know there’s framework, but that’s dangerous, mate,” said Hoiles.
“That was a cheap shot and that’s a yellow card every day of the week.
“For all the time and effort the game is putting into player safety… I don’t think anyone would have objected if that was a yellow card.
“You’ve got to protect the guys, especially when they’re passing or kicking.”
Every 2024 Super Rugby Pacific club jersey: Blues revive spirit of 1997 with retro kit
Lynagh rebounded from the hit, starring for the Reds in their 25-19 win over the Chiefs.
Son of Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh, the 20-year-old is showing some of the characteristics that made the 72 Test veteran a great.
“Of course he’s tough,” said Hoiles.
“He was very good last year and to be able to have that whole off-season knowing that’s where he’s going to play — he’s leading that team around.
“Again, I was thinking about this last night, because he’s always going to be compared to his father, and his father is a legend of the game, but his father was a very safe and reliable player.
“Tom’s father, Michael, he was in very successful Wallaby teams, but he was just a very composed and consistent player. He wasn’t a flashy player. We think of our number 10s that have to be superstars.
“You’ve just got to guide your team around and make sure they keep winning and playing at the right ends of the field. That’s what a good 10 is and he’s got all that maturity.”
The Reds head to Melbourne for round four where they’ll face the Rebels on Friday at 7.35pm AEDT.
