Reds coach Brad Thorn is mystified that his team will have to play against Argentina star Pablo Matera in the opening Super Rugby Pacific quarter final on Friday night.
Matera, the former Pumas captain now representing the Crusaders, was yellow carded for a dangerous lifting tackle on Reds centre Jordan Petaia in Queensland’s 28-15 loss in Christchurch last weekend.
To many rugby observers the incident was similar to Sam Gilbert’s tackle gone wrong on Michael Hooper, which earned the Highlanders five-eighth a five week ban.
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https://twitter.com/kinson88/status/1531898257190064128?s=20&t=ltNb8DahgZHeKzCH3vBlzQ
But SANZAAR determined that the card issued by referee Ben O’Keeffe was sufficient punishment and Matera will take his place at blindside flanker at Orangetheory Stadium.
“I don’t really understand it,” Thorn told reporters on Thursday.
“We have had time with officials… going on the NSW game with the Highlanders the week before, the outcome there, just the consistency, and also the safety of players.
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“It was positive feedback but it’s gone now and it’s all about Friday.”
The Reds are rank outsiders against a champion Crusaders outfit that has welcomed back rested All Blacks trio Richie Mo’unga, Codie Taylor and Jack Goodhue for the knockout match.
Queensland remain without injured Wallabies James O’Connor and Taniela Tupou as Thorn attempts to build a State of Origin-style siege mentality against his former club.
“The brawls, the big hits, the atmosphere around Origin and what it means to be a Queenslander have been the key themes of the week,” Reds co-captain Tate McDermott said.
“We won’t see a biff, but you’ll definitely see a bit of niggle; once we say we’re not taking a backward step we’re a far better side.
“So the boys have got licence to really go out there and give it a good rattle.”
Sean Maloney and Andrew Mehrtens look back on an amazing final round of Super Rugby Pacific and are joined by sevens world champion Dom du Toit
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