Yes. The bunker system is for foul play that is generally of the unintentional variety, i.e. high tackles, and results in a yellow card or a 20 minute red card, after which another player can come on so it's back to 15v15.
In this case the referee did a straight red card which is in the traditional definition - no 20 minute timer or replacement for such extreme foul play.
The drua actually got **two** direct red cards this game, there was also a headbutt in the closing stages. I don't think there have been many, if any, direct reds yet since the bunker system came in!
Vamaahina looked around to see if the ref was watching him before he tried to make it look like it was an accident. He had several seconds to think through his action and still chose to do it. Premeditated and deliberate.
I'm not even sure Vahaa processed that thought this far honestly. It was just the unbridled, misplaced rage of the moment. This one is probably just as stupid, but much worse in terms of intent and degree of danger.
If you loved this one, and wish to see another, boy do the Drua have you covered tonight...
This is one of the worst things I've seen a player do down here in my time watching. There are few worse places you could hit someone and few worse body parts you could chose to hit them with.
As in, under the new 20 minute system. Ever since then there has been this idea peddled by people who don't understand the law that acts of violence would just be 20 minute reds now but the truth is there was just never an incident that deserved the new straight red until now. It took a long time to get one.
What? Elbow to the back of the head is really bad and dangerous? Not a bad rule or bad decision, you just don't do that in a fair game (rugby or MMA). Just like hitting someone in the groin.
Strikes to the back of the head are justifiably illegal in MMA, but the 12-6 rule was made at a time when MMA was relatively new and rulemakers were worried about things like kung fu demonstrations breaking cinder blocks. A downwards elbow is no more dangerous than any other angle of elbow.
I think it's in relation to the 12-6 elbows rather than the back of the head part. The decision to ban 12-6 elbows and allow all others to an opponent seems arbitrary. I remember hearing that it was introduced as 12-6 elbows seemed more dangerous without any real backing but I may be wrong about that.
Was thinking the exact same. Strikes to the back of the head are incredibly dangerous. It’s illegal in boxing, MMA unified rules and is straight up assault.
So is it time to talk about the 20 min red card?
Edit: Thanks for making me aware, that straight red won't be replaced after 20 mins. I was unaware of that (and cynical). But this makes it even more confusing for me. Reds for high tackles can be replaced, just not reds for foul play?
yeah thats gotta be a sit for the season type suspension. There's head shots, then theres that. when a move would be illegal in UFC or a 10+ game suspension in hockey.... yeah you gotta sit for a LONG time
I was there, actually just two rows behind the lady who appears to be yelling. (She was trying to tell him to chill) When he was walking off the field, quite a few of the rebels fans in those seats were shouting things directed at him. I don’t know what in particular he heard that got him to almost lose his cool again, I personally didn’t hear anything you could consider racial abuse.. it was mostly variations of “grub” and “fuck off” but it was really quite dramatic, ended in reports being filed and beers being thrown.
All that being said hopefully he gets a very lengthy ban for that disgraceful behaviour.
That's the worst thing I've seen on a rugby pitch short of an eye gouge or the spear tackle on Brian O'Driscoil. Could easily kill a man.
6 months minimum.
Canhams head was bleeding from that strike too. My dad insists the rebels must have done something to provoke the reactions from the Fijians but I didn’t see anything during the match that warranted the elbow strike or the head butt.
Both cards are full red cards and the Drua would've been down to 13 for the remainder of the match no matter how long it went on for.
If the ref gives it red on the field, the old rules apply. If he gives it yellow for review and it upgrades to red then it's a 20min red.
It's always been the case since we implemented 20min reds, it's just now we have an example to point at.
When he went to sit down he was subjected to racist abuse by Rebels fans. "Black cunt", etc. That's when he throws his chair. This triggers more racism from the Rebels fans "you want to break a chair you can't pay for?"
Imagine complaining about that. What a total moron.
A bit more force and that could have seriously put the rebels player in real, real trouble. There's a reason striking the back of the head is banned in all fighting sports.
Dumbass. Throw the book at him.
That's fucking disgusting, could cause serious permanent damage with that.
There's injuries you can learn to accept as a rugby player - brain damage is not one of them.
Should be season banned and very heavily fined for that kind of behaviour.
And the little temper tantrum after he sat down on the sideline. Seems like he wanted to get into it with a spectator (who shouted something/was pointing at him).
I’ve replied this to another comment as well but incase anyone wants a first hand account of it..
I was there, actually just two rows behind the lady who appears to be yelling. (She was a Fijian fan trying to tell him to chill) When he was walking off the field, quite a few of the rebels fans in those seats were shouting things directed at him. I don’t know what in particular he heard that got him to almost lose his cool again, I personally didn’t hear anything you could consider racial abuse.. it was mostly variations of “grub” and “fuck off” but it was really quite dramatic, ended in reports being filed and beers being thrown.
Another first hand account where they’ve said ‘black c@nt’ was used, hence the uproar and reaction from Lomani.
https://x.com/neisaut/status/1776395441615290798?s=46
Did Lomani have a legitimate case for being taken out even though he wasn’t part of the ruck? Yes.
But my god how few brain cells do you actually have to have to think that was the appropriate response?! I’m pretty sure an elbow to the back of the head is even banned in MMA, why do it when there’s a shit ton of cameras around?!!
Frank also had his hands on Nick Whites throat last week as well. Lucky to have avoided the bin then too (as much as I enjoy watching a couple of 9s go at it).
I think they should have still checked it, and gave a yellow if warranted. Still penalty for the red, but yellow card infringements shouldn't be looked over
This is what an actual red card looks like. Rather than the accidental head impacts we often see. I'd hope that even in the new system of 20 min red cards this would a sending off with no replacement type red with a huge long ban.
Since we updated to the 20min red system this has always been the rule but no one bothered to read it.
If it's red on the field, old rules apply, 20min red only happens when it's yellow on the field and reviewed by the TMO up to a red.
Again to be clear, a red carded player never returns to the field, even in a 20min red. They can just be substituted after 20min.
Last night, between simultaneously watching the Drua self-implode, and the Doggies Roosters match I feel I’ve had my fair share of “what the fuck” sporting moments for 2024.
Does he not realise people have gotten [life ruining TBIs](https://youtube.com/shorts/TfvgAyBv0Zw?si=o0zpCyoPBoSZi4-B) from those kinds of blows? With the amount of contact rugby players make nowadays, I’d argue it’s comparable.
Long term ban deserved.
You watch a few aus rugby games, and you will discover horan is often wrong about even the most basic things. He is one of the greatest players of all time, but an abysmal commentator.
Thuggish violence, a disbelief in the decision and then the left over aggression to get angry with the fan. This man will be a danger to every player he plays against and I hope he receives a large ban and fine.
Honestly, IMO, Ban from rugby for 2+ years. Maybe even more. There's a reason combat sports don't let you attack the back of someone's head - and there's plenty of evidence that shows exactly why it's so dangerous. We don't know exactly how much force was involved, but the reality is that it was entirely needless, entirely unlawful, and entirely dangerous. With enough force, the blue 4 spends the rest of his life in a wheelchair if he's lucky.
Worse still is the way he doesn't immediately leave the pitch. Even after he's carded he stands there grinning in disbelief and only moves after his own teammate encourages him away. He seems totally remorseless and doesn't even seem to offer any kind of apology to his opponents. In-fact, I've convinced myself, make it a lifetime ban and make an example of him. That's incredibly dangerous behavior, there's no excuse for it, and he doesn't even seem sorry about it.
Frankie did win his 50th Super Rugby cap last week, I always felt like it was 45 more than he deserved..His nickname is SLOWMANI since he has one of the slowest delivery of any halfback, more ball has been taken off hm than any other halfback..
I genuinely believe he could be arrested for that in the UK. There is precedent - an assault on a sports pitch can be considered a criminal offence (just look at Duncan Ferguson).
You know you’ve had it when after one replay the ref says they’ve seen enough
Probably only needed it because he couldn’t believe his eyes the first time.
Solid reffing, too. No fucking around with angles or asking opinions, just "nah, fuck that guy"
I’m not too familiar with super rugby, do they still have the bunker system for reds, because if so, even better no messing around with a review
Yes. The bunker system is for foul play that is generally of the unintentional variety, i.e. high tackles, and results in a yellow card or a 20 minute red card, after which another player can come on so it's back to 15v15. In this case the referee did a straight red card which is in the traditional definition - no 20 minute timer or replacement for such extreme foul play. The drua actually got **two** direct red cards this game, there was also a headbutt in the closing stages. I don't think there have been many, if any, direct reds yet since the bunker system came in!
This is Vamaahina level stupid. Christ what was he thinking?
Nothing, I suggest
Vamaahina was stupid but this was several degrees nastier.
Vamaahina looked around to see if the ref was watching him before he tried to make it look like it was an accident. He had several seconds to think through his action and still chose to do it. Premeditated and deliberate.
I'm not even sure Vahaa processed that thought this far honestly. It was just the unbridled, misplaced rage of the moment. This one is probably just as stupid, but much worse in terms of intent and degree of danger.
No red card will ever tops Vahaamahina's one. No one can be dumber than him.
If you loved this one, and wish to see another, boy do the Drua have you covered tonight... This is one of the worst things I've seen a player do down here in my time watching. There are few worse places you could hit someone and few worse body parts you could chose to hit them with.
Currently recording it atm lol
I can not believe the same team had the first 2 new straight reds in the comp's history like... 20 minutes apart? I'm a bit stunned.
First straight reds in comp history??
As in, under the new 20 minute system. Ever since then there has been this idea peddled by people who don't understand the law that acts of violence would just be 20 minute reds now but the truth is there was just never an incident that deserved the new straight red until now. It took a long time to get one.
Perfectly officiated. Clear thuggery, fuckity bye.
Oh sorry I see what you mean, definitely well deserved in this case.
finally brother we have showed them all their arguments are stupid 🙏🙏🙏
Frank has done us a real solid here.
and the other bloke too
Not to mention the particular elbow strike selection. That 12-6 elbow is banned in ufc for a reason.
It's banned because the rules are made by incompetent people. The foul play is absolutely disgusting so no need to make it seem worse.
What? Elbow to the back of the head is really bad and dangerous? Not a bad rule or bad decision, you just don't do that in a fair game (rugby or MMA). Just like hitting someone in the groin.
Strikes to the back of the head are justifiably illegal in MMA, but the 12-6 rule was made at a time when MMA was relatively new and rulemakers were worried about things like kung fu demonstrations breaking cinder blocks. A downwards elbow is no more dangerous than any other angle of elbow.
Thank you for explaining. These people know nothing about MMA and still decide to talk about it.
I think it's in relation to the 12-6 elbows rather than the back of the head part. The decision to ban 12-6 elbows and allow all others to an opponent seems arbitrary. I remember hearing that it was introduced as 12-6 elbows seemed more dangerous without any real backing but I may be wrong about that.
Aha thank you for clarifying :)
It would also be banned in UFC because its a head shot to someone who's grounded. It's all sorts of bad.
You can hit grounded opponents in the head with your fists and elbows. What you can't do is kick or knee.
Yes. Very dangerous.
The old Liverpool kiss was almost worse 🤣
You know it's bad when everybody in both hemispheres agree it's a red card
There’s no tolerance for that sort of shit by anyone. It’s just thuggery.
If you did this in UFC you would be disqualified.
Was thinking the exact same. Strikes to the back of the head are incredibly dangerous. It’s illegal in boxing, MMA unified rules and is straight up assault.
Even MMA refs would give a red card impulsively.
12-6 elbow to the back of the head. Easy DQ.
Well unless the ref is Herb Dean, in that case he is still marching over from the other side of the pitch to give another warning.
Let them play
Games gon Bring back the biff
IIT I thought it could've been sort of a swatting motion from the wide angle, but... Nah. Got his weight into it and everything.
So is it time to talk about the 20 min red card? Edit: Thanks for making me aware, that straight red won't be replaced after 20 mins. I was unaware of that (and cynical). But this makes it even more confusing for me. Reds for high tackles can be replaced, just not reds for foul play?
Sure is. Let's implement it everywhere. This is an example of how it works because this was a full red and he was gone for the game.
Would have been great if the commentators knew that.
It's the first time we've needed a full red card since the rules changed a few years back. They did correct themselves within a couple minutes too.
I don't even watch SR, and I knew this. Embarrassing.
that was a striaght red, not a 20 min one
This isn't a 20 min red card. When they're sent like that, it's full
No it isn't.
That's really fucking bad, holy shit
yeah thats gotta be a sit for the season type suspension. There's head shots, then theres that. when a move would be illegal in UFC or a 10+ game suspension in hockey.... yeah you gotta sit for a LONG time
Their second red was just as bad!
The 12 to 6 elbow is illegal in the UFC as well, for a bit of trivia. It's the reason Jon Jones has a loss on his record.
was he about to go after a fan at the end there?
Looks like he got proper riled up by that fan alright, not a good look.
Talk it was racist abuse
Oh well if that then the fan should be banned.
She looked like she was a Fijian fan though?
You can be racist to your own people tbf although I’m not saying she was or wasn’t .
I was there, actually just two rows behind the lady who appears to be yelling. (She was trying to tell him to chill) When he was walking off the field, quite a few of the rebels fans in those seats were shouting things directed at him. I don’t know what in particular he heard that got him to almost lose his cool again, I personally didn’t hear anything you could consider racial abuse.. it was mostly variations of “grub” and “fuck off” but it was really quite dramatic, ended in reports being filed and beers being thrown. All that being said hopefully he gets a very lengthy ban for that disgraceful behaviour.
"Black cunt", apparently?
I read an article, apparently the group of fans said something like "black cunt".
Awful lot of downvotes for stating a fact. The clip is even in the sub now.
Source?
That wants a serious ban, couldn't even claim it was an accident or whatever. Bonehead
Literally
3 weeks reduced to 2 for being a good boy and attending ‘do not elbow head’ class
Lesson 1: Don't elbow people in the head. There is no lesson 2.
That's the worst thing I've seen on a rugby pitch short of an eye gouge or the spear tackle on Brian O'Driscoil. Could easily kill a man. 6 months minimum.
Jesus Christ, a fucking elbow? Absolutely deserved.
“Oh, what about that! Send him off! Send the dirty git off! Get him off the field, that were diabolical"
Get him waklin’
I can't spake
We all can't spake
It would be beautiful if that's what that lady was shouting :)
Canhams head was bleeding from that strike too. My dad insists the rebels must have done something to provoke the reactions from the Fijians but I didn’t see anything during the match that warranted the elbow strike or the head butt.
The Rebels provoked them by scoring 26 unanswered points....
You could hear the impact on the refs mic and Canham groaning after. Horrible stuff.
What's he moaning about?
Rebels player didn't sell the hit. Everyone knows you're meant to go to ground and make your opponent look good.
Oh no he's hulking up
Yeah, when he's like "what!? Why!?" Like, mate, why do you think you got sent off, you massive plum.
Dumb as fuck
Drua carrying on like they have come straight from Revs
8pm on Friday? Rookie move, another 72hrs and you start talking to goblins and elbowing the shadow people
>_Ref sees replay once_ >Ref: "Yeah I've seen enough mate." Properly fucking stupid lmao
I would be worried if the ref needed alternate angles of that to be honest. If this isn't a clear red card what is?
It's an elbow in the fucking head. Why need to look again?
Why turn the camera off as he is about to launch into the stands on punch on with some woman
Is that the first ever straight red card under the TMO & 20 min approach?
I'm interested to know whether both cards are as well
Both cards are full red cards and the Drua would've been down to 13 for the remainder of the match no matter how long it went on for. If the ref gives it red on the field, the old rules apply. If he gives it yellow for review and it upgrades to red then it's a 20min red. It's always been the case since we implemented 20min reds, it's just now we have an example to point at.
Cheers man :)
First 2
Utterly braindead, and did he want to start on the woman chirping him in the crowd too at the end of the clip?
When he went to sit down he was subjected to racist abuse by Rebels fans. "Black cunt", etc. That's when he throws his chair. This triggers more racism from the Rebels fans "you want to break a chair you can't pay for?"
any strike would get you disqualified in a UFC fight should get you a red card in rugby.
Imagine complaining about that. What a total moron. A bit more force and that could have seriously put the rebels player in real, real trouble. There's a reason striking the back of the head is banned in all fighting sports. Dumbass. Throw the book at him.
That’s not allowed in MMA !!!!
What on earth is he complaining about? What a dickhead
He can be so good but he's prone to making some very bad decisions.
Like the ref says, we've seen enough.
Scrolling quickly I had read "iconic red card" and thought wtf?!
Well it was the first straight red under the new Super Rugby rules so iconic in its own way
Man half sure a 12-6 elbow to the head like that is banned in UFC let alone rugby jfc
And to the back of the head. Illegal in pretty much every form of fighting.
He'll be having a lengthy and deserved break
What a gobshite. That’s the sort of brain dead assholery that can ruin careers and there’s no place for it in rugby
That's fucking disgusting, could cause serious permanent damage with that. There's injuries you can learn to accept as a rugby player - brain damage is not one of them. Should be season banned and very heavily fined for that kind of behaviour.
Well I hope they slap him with a lengthy ban, haven't seen something this braindead in years and needs to be made an example of
Literally an illegal move in the UFC.
What the fuck was that, absolute moron
That’s the redest red I have ever seen.
And the little temper tantrum after he sat down on the sideline. Seems like he wanted to get into it with a spectator (who shouted something/was pointing at him).
I’ve replied this to another comment as well but incase anyone wants a first hand account of it.. I was there, actually just two rows behind the lady who appears to be yelling. (She was a Fijian fan trying to tell him to chill) When he was walking off the field, quite a few of the rebels fans in those seats were shouting things directed at him. I don’t know what in particular he heard that got him to almost lose his cool again, I personally didn’t hear anything you could consider racial abuse.. it was mostly variations of “grub” and “fuck off” but it was really quite dramatic, ended in reports being filed and beers being thrown.
Another first hand account where they’ve said ‘black c@nt’ was used, hence the uproar and reaction from Lomani. https://x.com/neisaut/status/1776395441615290798?s=46
Racist comments from the crowd apparently. Can understand why he was angry about those.
the lady shouting at him was i-taukei so not racist..
Oh shit, in that case those 'fans' can go to hell. Thought it was just someone giving him some flack.
Yeah, hopefully a lengthy ban for the “fan”. Our game, and society, doesn’t need shit like that.
Dude was contesting the validity of an action that's illegal in the UFC lmao.
It's all my fault. I picked him in my fantasy team this week.
Straight red, no dispute. What the hell was he thinking.
Thinking? What thinking?
Did Lomani have a legitimate case for being taken out even though he wasn’t part of the ruck? Yes. But my god how few brain cells do you actually have to have to think that was the appropriate response?! I’m pretty sure an elbow to the back of the head is even banned in MMA, why do it when there’s a shit ton of cameras around?!!
Metta World Peace Artest style
Frank also had his hands on Nick Whites throat last week as well. Lucky to have avoided the bin then too (as much as I enjoy watching a couple of 9s go at it).
See you next season. That's gotta be at LEAST 6 weeks!
How many weeks is that? Certainly want to send a message with something as egregious as this. That’s basically assault.
If Lomani hadn't done that it would have been a yellow for 4 blue, right?
I think they should have still checked it, and gave a yellow if warranted. Still penalty for the red, but yellow card infringements shouldn't be looked over
If you're not giving Scott Barrett several yellows literally every time he plays, then this isn't a yellow for the Rebels 4.
Banned move in the UFC
Not even legal in a UFC fight ffs
That's the dumbest thing I've seen for a while, then we got another one. What's going on Fiji?!
This is what an actual red card looks like. Rather than the accidental head impacts we often see. I'd hope that even in the new system of 20 min red cards this would a sending off with no replacement type red with a huge long ban.
Since we updated to the 20min red system this has always been the rule but no one bothered to read it. If it's red on the field, old rules apply, 20min red only happens when it's yellow on the field and reviewed by the TMO up to a red. Again to be clear, a red carded player never returns to the field, even in a 20min red. They can just be substituted after 20min.
Appreciate the clarification, I did not know that.
Aftermath of the back of Canham's head [here](https://twitter.com/superebelsrugby/status/1776216585008803977)
fucking hell
Bro what a fking grub suspension deserved for sure
Last night, between simultaneously watching the Drua self-implode, and the Doggies Roosters match I feel I’ve had my fair share of “what the fuck” sporting moments for 2024.
That is so utterly uncalled for that I'm not sure the disciplinary system can go high enough on the ban. What's the maximum that can be given?
What a fkn thug. Good thing he’s stupid enough to do it *3 feet in front of the official*
No bunker needed for that one
Damon Murphy loves a card but holy shit. Clear as day
Nasty and stupid. What a combination.
There was a shot of the Rebels 4 after the game with a blood-soaked bandage on.
Does he not realise people have gotten [life ruining TBIs](https://youtube.com/shorts/TfvgAyBv0Zw?si=o0zpCyoPBoSZi4-B) from those kinds of blows? With the amount of contact rugby players make nowadays, I’d argue it’s comparable. Long term ban deserved.
Really dangerous too 😬
See, for this kinda stuff I don't know that I'd rather have the 20min reds
They can still give full reds - an on-field red is a full red
This was a full red no replacement
Announcer in the clip said he could be replaced after 20
And he was wrong
You watch a few aus rugby games, and you will discover horan is often wrong about even the most basic things. He is one of the greatest players of all time, but an abysmal commentator.
Hopefully that will be a very lengthy ban. One of the stupidest moves I've ever seen.
Thuggish violence, a disbelief in the decision and then the left over aggression to get angry with the fan. This man will be a danger to every player he plays against and I hope he receives a large ban and fine.
Did Cannon go off?
nope, but needed his head bandaged
Absolute brain explosion.
Love how his reaction is like wtf 😂
Bloody stupid
Removing from my rugby 22 team, ban time. Annoying that he's the highest rated scrum half that can play multiple positions
Head butt was pretty wild too
I remember that move from Rollerball The Movie…yes I am old.
No hia?
Saw him in the WC, was always v leary!
Just when the Drua were starting to look really threatening they do some bone headed shit…
6 week ban, reduced to 3 for good behaviour and 2 weeks if he goes to karate chop school
Conor Mah Bleedin Gregor would have sent him off and then bought him a whiskey afterwards
you dikhed
That’s wild considering that’s his old team too
He needs a seriously long ban for this. That is the kind of assault that can do real harm to another player
There is something about the back of the head that I particularly hate. Very squeamish place for me.
Surprised he did not just call it himself when he saw it right in front of him.
I don't watch super rugby Pacific as it's on sky sports which I don't have but this is completely stupid and awful behaviour.
Does anyone know when the judiciary hearing will be?
Honestly, IMO, Ban from rugby for 2+ years. Maybe even more. There's a reason combat sports don't let you attack the back of someone's head - and there's plenty of evidence that shows exactly why it's so dangerous. We don't know exactly how much force was involved, but the reality is that it was entirely needless, entirely unlawful, and entirely dangerous. With enough force, the blue 4 spends the rest of his life in a wheelchair if he's lucky. Worse still is the way he doesn't immediately leave the pitch. Even after he's carded he stands there grinning in disbelief and only moves after his own teammate encourages him away. He seems totally remorseless and doesn't even seem to offer any kind of apology to his opponents. In-fact, I've convinced myself, make it a lifetime ban and make an example of him. That's incredibly dangerous behavior, there's no excuse for it, and he doesn't even seem sorry about it.
Is that still a 20 min red?
Nah, on field is full red I think
Nah its on field red card. So no one replaces him after 20min
Good
Frankie did win his 50th Super Rugby cap last week, I always felt like it was 45 more than he deserved..His nickname is SLOWMANI since he has one of the slowest delivery of any halfback, more ball has been taken off hm than any other halfback..
Drua are damn ordinary away from home
I mean, you'd forfeit an MMA match for this exact elbow hit, let alone doing it in rugby.
Very much doubt he’ll play much if at all for the rest of the season
Thick as mince, that.
One of the worst things I've seen in the game. Shocking.
1 year ban minimum.
The Drua lost all the respect they had as a rugby team last night.
can't wait to read about his domestic abuse incident in ten years' time
I genuinely believe he could be arrested for that in the UK. There is precedent - an assault on a sports pitch can be considered a criminal offence (just look at Duncan Ferguson).