Other than the 39-0 scoreline, the main talking point from the Sale Sharks - Ulster Champions Cup clash, was a first half incident involving Andrew Warwick and Manu Tuilagi.
The two players clashed heads, which resulted in Tuilagi leaving the game after failing a HIA, while not even penalty was given to the English side despite Warwick being the tackler.
Fans and pundits took to Twitter to voice their disbelief that a card was not shown, particularly give that the Ulster loosehead did not lower is body height to a considerable degree despite having ample time to do so.
It was another questionable decision from a referee in this area of the game, and does not appear to be in line with the decision making we have seen from officials in recent months.
Ulster Ship Heavy Champions Cup Loss To Sale Sharks
Sharks lost Manu Tuilagi in the first half after he failed his HIA 😪
Wish him a speedy recovery, should the referee have done more though? #HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/4btQlCwl0w— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 11, 2022
Ulster in trouble. 15-0 down and Warwick hasn’t much reason for being so high. Head on head with Tuilagi. Red incoming unless they somehow do a Healy.#SALvULS
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) December 11, 2022
Inevitably lots of chat about the 🟥 card issued to Ox Nché and the lack of punishment for Andrew Warwick who clashed heads with Manu Tuilagi in similar circumstances.
You can see both incidents later in this short thread.
Below shows it’s fair to say opinion is divided…
1/7 pic.twitter.com/7mn0bzBNqk— Progressive Rugby (@ProgressiveRug) December 11, 2022
Disagree with Raynal there.
I accept its Tuilagi who initiates contact but Warwick is simply too high. It’s a half arsed crouch. Tuilagi’s height is consistent and the reason we’re left with a head on head scenario with a bucket of blood is because of Warwick’s height.
Yellow.— Mike Cooper (RuckedOver) (@RuckedOver) December 11, 2022
READ HERE: Analysis: Robert Baloucoune And An Autumn Of Missed Opportunities
Following the defeat, Ulster head coach Dan McFarland gave his views on the match.
"There's not enough time [for self pity] in a six-day turnaround when you are playing the European champions next," said the Ulster coach.
"We've certainly got to find our mojo.
"Physically we struggled against them all over the park. I don't think there were any areas of the game where we got a handle on them for any length of time.
"They were excellent not only in the physicality but also in the execution of their play. It was really good and it put us under a lot of pressure in defence.
"I couldn't even say we had really good chances. They disrupted our maul which is a pretty good go-to for us.
"Some of the set plays were a wee fraction off and they kept the ball really well."
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