South Africa flanker Pieter-Steph Du Toit was sent off for a very controversial red card in their November series international against France.
Following their narrow defeat to Ireland last Saturday, South Africa would have hoped for an immediate response as they took on grand slam winners France in Marseille tonight.
Known as the most physical team in the world, South Africa like to make their presence felt in the ruck and at set-pieces, but Steph Du Toit was far too reckless in his attempted clear out that saw him clash heads with France's Danty Johnson, with Wayne Barnes producing the red card.
Pieter-Steph du Toit's red card#FRAvRSA pic.twitter.com/iKMlCpAgy5
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) November 12, 2022
While in normal time it looked like an extremely reckless clear out attempt at the ruck by Du Toit, replays showed Kwagga Smith pushing him into the ruck, meaning he goes into Johnson far more recklessly and dangerously than intended.
The South African back-row made no effort to get low or wrap his arms when coming into the ruck, making it an easy decision for the referee. The push from Smith may work in his favour when it comes to deciding the length of a potential ban, but it was equally reckless from Smith to push a player of Du Toit's stature into the ruck, when he is already running to the action.
Twitter was highly divided on the incident, as fans had their say on the controversial incident.
#FRAvRSA
No one
Absolutely nobody
Pieter-Steph du Toit pic.twitter.com/e2AZSAcfDf— Fergal Collins (@fergal_collins) November 12, 2022
You can't keep talking about the red card when you can see that the Boks are actually playing great rugby. This is still a contest. Red card was deserved. Now let's move on. #FRAvRSA
— Such Is Life.... (@EnslinMavunga) November 12, 2022
BTW games aren't ruined by red cards, it's part of the game. If anything games are ruined by players (and coaches who coach them to play that way) doing dangerous things #FRAvRSA
— Paul from New Zealand Sport Radio (@DrivingMaul) November 12, 2022
Don't cancel me, but I feel pretty bad for PSDT, I know it's direct to the head but that just seemed like wrong place wrong time! He looked absolutely devastated as well. Still a red card I know#FRAvRSA
— Jack Fogarty (@FogartyJack) November 12, 2022
Is it just me or has PSDT been harshly done by? Can’t see how there’s no mitigation there, Danty was not in a vulnerable position as he went in to clear. #FRAvRSA
— James Price (@jamespricey) November 12, 2022
Given that South Africa director of rugby Rasse Erasmus wasn’t shy in pointing out decisions that he thought went against his side in the defeat to Ireland, it will be interesting to hear the South Africa viewpoint on the red card.
This is the second dangerous incident in a matter of a week from South Africa, with Cheslin Kolbe fortunate not to receive red or indeed cause injury to Mack Hansen with a dangerous spear tackle which saw him receive yellow.
SEE ALSO: Vern Cotter Bizarrely Questions Fiji Red Card In Defeat To Ireland
