Collins not cited for high tackle
By RICHARD KNOWLER - The Press | Monday, 31 March 2008
Western Force Rugby Supporters Site


The Crusaders have been left shaking their heads after Jerry Collins escaped citation for his high tackle on Kieran Read on Friday night.

Hurricanes hard man Collins dropped Read when he swung his right arm across his cheekbone early in the second half of the match at Wellington's Westpac Stadium. The Crusaders won 20-13.

Referee Steve Walsh penalised Collins, but did not yellow-card him, stating he did not see how high the tackle was.

Slow-motion replays proved Collins was lucky to stay on the field and it seemed he was guaranteed a date with the judiciary this week.

However, citing commissioner Mike O'Leary found Collins had no case to answer.

When asked if he was surprised Collins was not cited, Crusaders coach Robbie Deans kept his thoughts to himself.

"I won't be wasting my time thinking about it." (Bullshit)

Re-plays of the incident show Collins' forearm connected directly with Read's head and that it did not bounce off his shoulder and rise by mistake.

This decision once again highlights the inconsistencies of the citing procedures.

On March 8, Chiefs wing Sitiveni Sivivatu was not cited for a dangerous tackle on Cheetahs centre J. W. Jonker. He was yellow-carded but escaped further punishment. This was despite Jonker being fortunate to avoid being seriously injured.

That same weekend, Hurricanes wing Ma'a Nonu was suspended for a week after he was yellow-carded for a high tackle on Highlanders prop Clint Newland.

Collins was also cited for using his forearm to give hooker David Hall a "facial". He was not suspended, but judicial officer Bruce Squire QC found him guilty of unsportsmanlike behaviour.

The citing commissioner on that occasion was also O'Leary.

Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett was cited for a seemingly innocuous tackle against the Cheetahs a week later. He was found not guilty.


Are the Referees having trouble keeping up with the modern game??
Aren't the two clowns running up and down the side lines suppose to watch for dirty play, not just look for the ball to cross the line??