Fiji Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne says the red card call on star centre Semi Radradra against Wales was a fair call but it was tough.
Radradra was yellow carded in the first half of the match after a head-on collision with a Welsh player which was then upgraded to a red card 5 minutes later following reviews from the TMO on the impact of the tackle.
During the post-match interview after their historic 24-19 win in Cardiff yesterday, Byrne says it is tough when a player chases a kick down as Radradra did, and the opposition player is falling down while counter-attacking.
He says it was a dangerous hit to the head, but it's just one of those things in the game.
He adds that if that Welsh player had not fallen and had not lost his height, then maybe Radradra would’ve gotten away with it.
Meanwhile, both Byrne and Wales coach Warren Gatland were in favour of the new 20-minute red card law that saw Sireli Maqala coming in for Radradra 20 minutes later and having Fiji back to 15 men.
Byrne says he thinks it is a great thing for the game and he knows there is a lot of angst up in the North.
He says the game is played in such a way now that a red card can ruin the spectacle and he felt that yesterday’s game went right down to the wire.
Wales coach Warren Gatland says he is in favour of the law if it’s not deemed to be reckless or deliberate.
He says there were no arms in there and Radradra went for the shoulders, and there was head-to-head contact.
Gatland says he thinks this law keeps the game alive and it probably gave Fiji an opportunity to get back in the game.
He adds he does not see that as bad for the game.
The Flying Fijians will take on Spain at 2am this Sunday in their 3rd test of the November tour while Wales will take on the Wallabies at 4.10am next Monday.
🇫🇯 @FijiRugby head coach Mick Byrne reflects after his side's historic win in Cardiff
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 10, 2024
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