Israel Folau pulls Dillyn Leyds’ hair – no yellow card [video]
What is this, a schoolyard?
The Springboks somehow managed to engineer another draw against Australia over the weekend. And while South Africa’s performance garnered much attention, it wasn’t the biggest talking point of the game.
Israel Folau’s “tackle” on Dillyn Leyds – which sent captain Eben Etzebeth into a frenzy – raised many eyebrows.
Leyds was brought down by Folau which what was originally a high tackle around the collar but then Folau got to grips with the Springboks player’s hair and pulls him to the ground accordingly.
The referee did award a penalty for the high challenge but Folau inexplicably escaped sanction for the tackle.
Watch Israel Folau pulling Leyds’ hair here
Even 400m superstar Wayde van Niekerk saw what happened from the stands. Falau first grabs Leyds by the collar and then descends into a full-on hair tug.
Now, captain Eben Etzebeth has a temper problem at the best of times, so you can just imagine how he freaked out when this happened.
Aussie coach Michael Cheika wasn’t too happy with journalists questioning him on the incident in the post-match conference.
“Have you played rugby mate? Have you ever tackled someone by the hair?” Cheika said.
Well, fair point, well made, but you’re splitting hairs yourself, mate. That ended up as a hair tug.
Watch Cheika get feisty with journalists below
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