Is it just me or are Sivivatu and Woodcock the first AB's to be suspended for quite a while?

Question

I think Thorn got a ban a little while ago(??), but is it just me or have there not been many suspensions in the AB's of recent seasons (no doubt much to the chagrin of Bok fans with their continual suspensions). Are we just good at getting away with things or do we just have good discipline?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

The ABs and Wallabies have had few players suspended. We from the antipodes don't really go in for gouging and biting.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Cheers, I think it is a bit of a case of we don't usually play outside of unspoken 'dirty' rules, i.e. hands in the ruck etc. We're not really into overt punching, kicking and biting as a general rule.

Answer 2

Not only in recent seasons but over the entire All Black history have there been few suspensions. The All Blacks play hard but as there record clearly shows they also play clean unlike our some of our friends from the African and European continents. Having 2 players suspended at one time is also some what of a record all be it a dubious one and nothing that the players coachs or administration would be very proud of.

Source(s):

Men In Black

Answer 3

Sivivatu should have been banned for longer. His playing tactics and style leads him to target the player not the ball. A couple of games last year he went after the man not the ball and he missed, they scored.
The players are more concious of the rules but some of the sin binning has to be questioned, Serious breaches should be checked with the video ref to confirm the incident. Brad Thorns sending off was a joke.
Suspension are another thing as the players can be sighted once the game tape is checked. Players are aware of this but a momentary head rush sometimes catches them out. Hence suspension.
It looks to me that Henry condones Sivivatu's style of play. I wouldn't. He is going to seriously hurt someone soon????????

Answer 4

New Zealand are good at getting away with things they are just as dirty as other teams.
Remember the spear tackle the last time lions were in new zealand from Umaga, how long he get banned for that??? Thats right he didnt even though the IRB said it was unacceptably dangerous tackle a few months later!

Answer 5

I think generally our guys are quite well disciplined, you don't see them really doing dirty stuff that warrants that kind of punishment. Brad Thorn did get a 1 match ban last year for a high tackle against John Smit.

Answer 6

It's hard to keep up. I know that SA have has suspensions but I think for NZ, we have more players out injured, then suspended.

Answer 7

Brad Thorn got a 1 match ban last year for a spear tackle against John Smit.