Sunday Social: Red cards, gold standard and the essentials

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It is time for Planet Rugby’s Sunday Social, your quirky recap of the serious and not so serious talking points from the past week’s action.

We’re not 100% sure of the source of this tweet but it was worth a share nonetheless. Echoes of that Chris Robshaw 2015 photoshop here.

Yes, there’s no surprise the tackle from Andrea Lovotti and Nicola Quaglio kicks off this week’s piece. What were the pair thinking as at that point in the game Italy were in the ascendancy against South Africa?

On a more lighthearted note, how good would it be to see this Azzurri legend lace up his boots once again? Fitness might be an issue.

https://twitter.com/joshgardner/status/1180077783143342080

From the ridiculous to the sublime in Shizuoka as Cheslin Kolbe once again stole the show with a virtuoso showing for South Africa.

Back to ill discipline and Argentina lock Tomas Lavanini saw red for a high tackle on Owen Farrell. Andy McGeady had little sympathy.

Former Wales international Tom Shanklin, however, believes there is little difference between Lavanini and Piers Francis’ hit against USA.

In Pool A, host nation Japan’s bonus point win over Samoa has put the pressure on Scotland ahead of the two sides’ clash next weekend.

Many Scotland supporters, however, might be livid over Samoa’s decision to play from their own five-metre, which allowed Japan to pick up what could prove a vital try bonus point at the death in their meeting.

Off the field, we enjoyed this from Uruguay player Mateo Sanguinetti, who clearly knows to bring the essentials to any rugby game.

South Africa warmed up for their vital game against Italy with a little tug-of-war. One feels though they need some stronger opposition.

Elsewhere, it was a special day for Wallaby debutant Jordan Petaia as he enjoyed a try-scoring debut for Australia against Uruguay.

We now dip our toe into the club game and rightly so after this try was scored by Bayonne. How about these offloads at the end? Superb.

Finally, in the Mitre 10 Cup, Auckland wing Caleb Clarke showed off his handling skills with a brilliant catch. Call him up, Black Caps.

https://twitter.com/sumich/status/1180336264404332544

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