Case law suggested another decision and a potential suspension of several weeks. The independent commission which studied the case of Owen Farrell on Tuesday decided otherwise. She canceled the red card issued by the “bunker” to sanction a tackle by the opener on Taine Basham (63rd) during England’s 19-17 victory last Saturday.
The members of the commission believe that the English hooker, author of a push on Basham just before the impact, caused a sudden and significant change of direction of the ball carrier Welsh. A mitigating circumstance sufficient to bring the degree of fault below the threshold of the red card and avoid the captain of England a suspension.
Peter Ahki gasped
A decision widely commented on social networks, where many Anglo-Saxon observers or not share their surprise or annoyance. Among them, New Zealander and Stade Toulousain player Pita Ahki: “How is it that George Moala, never mentioned, is sanctioned with a ten-week suspension for a dangerous tackle? While Farrell has had I don’t know how many red cards and is getting away with it without any penalties? How ? It bothers me”
The XV de la Rose can therefore count on him for the last two preparation matches against Ireland and Fiji. At the World Cup, Steve Borthwick’s team will find Argentina, Japan, Samoa and Chile in their group.
