How Beauden Barrett played key role in Tadhg Beirne’s disciplinary outcome as All Blacks star keeps his word
Fly-half Beauden Barrett in action against Ireland and Tadhg Beirne's hit on the All Blacks star.
All Blacks fly-half Beauden Barrett has stayed true to his promise by playing a significant role in getting Tadhg Beirne’s red card rescinded.
The Ireland forward was initially sin-binned after his shoulder connected with the head of the New Zealand playmaker before it was upgraded to a 20-minute red by the Foul Play Review Officer.
Most observers were left surprised by that decision, including Barrett himself, who stated afterwards that he would come to Beirne’s support at the disciplinary hearing.
Barrett’s post-match comments
“I can’t hide from the fact that I copped a shoulder to that somewhere up there [his head], that’s what happened,” he told reporters following the All Blacks’ 26-13 victory over Ireland.
“I’ll support him in terms of mitigating whatever happens next, because I don’t feel there’s any intention there.
“He may have only deserved a yellow, but 20 [minutes off the field] is absolute worst in this instance. That’s more of me personally feeling for him.”
It was revealed on Tuesday that Beirne’s red card had been rescinded and that he is free to play in the games against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
The full judgement has since been released and it revealed the part Barrett played in helping the Ireland lock convince the independent panel that it was not a sending-off offence.
In fact, it appeared as though Barrett effectively took responsibility for the collision, admitting that he was not meant to receive the ball and that Beirne could not do much else before impact, resulting in a rugby incident.
‘A contact sport situation’
“I was running a decoy line on the short side, inside-out, on the left side of the field (bench side),” the 34-year-old’s testimony read.
“The play wasn’t designed for me to receive the ball, and I didn’t expect to be involved. However, Cam (Roigard) passed me the ball unexpectedly.
“I caught it — more by luck than anticipation — and because I wasn’t prepared to carry, my body position was high and not committed with proper intent or force.
“As I carried into contact, I ran into a congested area, hoping Cam would play out the back. Initial contact was front-on and above the shoulder area.
“I take responsibility for entering contact in a high position, as that contributed to the nature of the collision.
“I don’t believe the opposing player could have done much differently — it was a contact sport situation, and fortunately, Tadhg showed good awareness and controlled his force, which prevented a more serious collision.”
READ MORE: Ireland: Tadhg Beirne learns disciplinary fate after controversial sending off
