In keeping with tradition, fierce Super Rugby rivals the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds on Friday played out another clash packed with high-running emotion – and it spilled over during an all-in scuffle during the second half.
Tension in the Leichardt Oval grudge match, won by the Reds 20-16 in wild weather, boiled over when a Waratahs try was shut down in the 49th minute.
NSW fly-half Ben Donaldson threw a soaring ball to James Turner and the left winger rocketed down the touchline in pursuit of a five-pointer, but he was stopped by desperate cover defence from Queensland’s Josh Flook and Spencer Jeans.
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The Reds duo tackled Turner into touch, and pushing and shoving quickly erupted, prompting a host of players from both sides to rush in.
Referee Damon Murphy looked unfavourably upon Jed Holloway, awarding a penalty to the Reds because the Waratahs lock had charged in from afar and intensified the scuffle.
“Clearly the player’s been tackled out,” Stan’s coverage captured Murphy saying to the NSW and Queensland captains.
“There’s push and shove.
“Blue four (Holloway) has come flying in and escalated the situation, so I’m going to penalise blue four.
“If there’s any more of that someone goes to the bin.”
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There was plenty of talk of the fiery match as former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, Test great Drew Mitchell and former rugby international Allana Ferguson dissected the game on Stan.
Presenter Nick McArdle said the game had “mongrel”.
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