Ireland came away with a big bonus point victory in their Six Nations meeting with Italy, although the players probably couldn't help but to come away a bit flat after the final whistle.
The game was all but ended as a contest before the 20 minute mark, with Italy's Hame Faiva sent off for a high tackle on Dan Sheehan.
With their starting hooker having also been substituted early in the game due to injury, this left the Italians without a player in that position. The result was the implementation of uncontested scrums, meaning the visitors were forced to take off another player and were reduced to 13 men.
RED CARD 🟥
Hame Faiva sent off for Italy for shoulder-to-head contact on Dan Sheehan. #IREvITA #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/nDu52MccFX— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 27, 2022
Peter O'Mahony sympathises with Italy After Six Nations red card
The red card was the right decision within the current laws, with such incidents becoming more common in the game. Speaking after the final whistle, Peter O'Mahony said he felt plenty of sympathy for Faiva in this instance.
"Red cards like that do games no favours."
Ireland captain on the day Peter O'Mahony reflects on today's win with @TommyBowe.#IREvITA #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/KHOYk3tDfW— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 27, 2022
I think red cards like that probably do games no favours, unfortunately. I don't think there is any intent in there.
It's getting difficult now, you've got to watch your tackle height. It definitely disrupts the game but we tried to stay at it.
Credit to Italy, they had the yellow card and a red card from a few minutes in. They stuck in there and it's always going to be very difficult.
We stumbled as well. I think with the stopping and starting it took some of the tempo that we wanted out of the game...
It's not something you plan for (playing against 13 men), but you've got to navigate your way through. We probably could have done that a bit better.
There is lots to think and talk about, but it's a bonus point at home. Credit to the crowd as well, they stuck with us when we were struggling at times.
O'Mahony has fallen foul of this law in the past, getting sent off for making contact with the head of a Welsh player in the opening game of last year's Six Nations championship.
There have been some discussions about altering the law slightly, with Super Rugby this season trialling a 20-minute sin bin for incidents such as the one involving Faiva this afternoon.
Considering that red cards have the potential to completely ruin top level games as a spectacle, it will be interesting to see if that trial is a success.
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