Ireland's quest to overcome Australia in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship was dealt a huge early blow as Ryan Baird was shown a straight red card midway through the first half.
World Rugby have been certain and clear in their push to eradicate dangerous, high tackles from the game and under this new direction, the Irish second-row can have few complaints as he stormed out of the line and mistimed his tackle.
RED CARD:
20 mins:
Australia U20s 3-0 Ireland U20s
Ireland second orow Ryan Baird is sent off for a neck-high tackle on Australia fly-half Will Harrison.#FutureIsGreen #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/611H0lAINY
— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 8, 2019
The referee did consult the TMO to determine whether Baird caught Will Harrison on the neck or shoulder. It came shortly after Semsi Tupou was shown just a yellow card for a high tackle. The referee took John Hodnett ducking into that challenge as a mitigating factor.
YELLOW CARD:
15 mins:
Australia U20s 3-0 Ireland U20s
Australia's Semsi Tupou is sent to the sin-bin for a high a tackle on Josh Hodnett.#FutureIsGreen #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/7npr80mGkD
— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 8, 2019
