In the aftermath of England's comprehensive victory over Ireland, one incident from the game resulted in widespread debate on the varied and ever-temperamental platform that is Twitter.
A Manu Tuilgai ruck clear-out on Jacob Stockdale proved contentious, particularly given the current concerns around policing the breakdown in the sport. While World Rugby have made numerous attempts to address the tackle and the scrum, the ruck remains complicated and messy.
A bit naughty from Tuilagi on Stockdale.#IREvENG pic.twitter.com/Jf8Ih1E6zO
— rugby (@theblitzdefence) February 2, 2019
These concerns are not shared by everyone, as rugbyshirtwatch.com owner and presenter of the Blood and Mud Podcast Josh Gardner quickly discovered. After sharing footage of the incident in question, former England rugby player Austin Healey weighed in with his own insightful and nuanced take.
❄️❄️❄️❄️
— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) February 4, 2019
I understand the 2 reasons you tweet Josh 1. Trying to get an English player cited..because you’re scared 2. You want fame and more people to listen to your shite pod #loveya https://t.co/OR37HzGyDD
— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) February 4, 2019
This expert pundit's timeline is a study in parochial blindness, and it encapsulates a key element that goes wrong with some of the UK media's coverage of rugby welfare. It's just cheerleading dressed up as analysis, hidden behind a flag, smothered in self-righteousness https://t.co/ptAwEAsqQ2
— Ross Tucker (@Scienceofsport) February 5, 2019
Gardner appeared on Balls.ie World in Union podcast to discuss his reservations with Healey's contribution and clarify the issue at the heart of the debate. As he explained, "I called him a bellend and it just got very out of hand from there."
The problem is not so much the messenger but the message that a clear-out of this manner does not need to be eradicated from the game.
It is right in front of the ref. We are supposed to be in a culture of rugby that is changing to become safer and prioritise player safety. We are less than a couple of months since a Welshman, Sam Warburton, retiring in a large part because of him sticking his head into rucks and getting smashed off it in that kind of dangerous and illegal way. Nothing happening, having to absorb that kind of punishment.
When it comes to pundits, this is a key issue they need to address.
One of the most helpful things in this debate has been players who have retired, horrible as it is, players who had to retire whether it be concussion issues or the attritional damage it does to the body, it is important these guys speak out and say things. it is also important for the guys there, the pundits who have been around for 10 or 15 years to listen. Because the level of punishment a current player is taking is not like it was.
It is much worse than it ever was.
You can listen to the full interview, as well as the Six Nations team of the opening weekend and Ireland versus Scotland preview, here or on all good podcast platforms.
