Springbok lock Lood de Jager is set to miss the remainder of the Autumn Series after receiving a four-match ban. This follows a no-arms tackle during South Africa's victory over France this past weekend.
De Jager was shown a red card in the first half for a shoulder charge on French full-back Thomas Ramos. Despite being a man down, the Springboks managed to secure a 32-17 win in Paris.
The ban means the towering second-rower will be unavailable for South Africa's upcoming matches against Italy, Ireland, and Wales. He will also miss his club, Wild Knights', Japan League One fixture against Brave Lupus in December.
All Blacks Weigh In: Was the Red Card Too Harsh?
The incident has sparked debate, with several former All Blacks coming to de Jager's defense. They argue that the red card was unduly harsh, considering the circumstances.
Angus Taʻavao, a former All Blacks prop, questioned the severity of the decision. "How tall is Lood de Jager – two-plus metres? I don’t think he could’ve got any lower," Taʻavao said on The Breakdown. He added that the red-card process seemed confusing and that the incident didn't warrant a full 40-minute suspension.
Former flyhalf Stephen Donald echoed these sentiments, suggesting that slow-motion replays exaggerated the impact. He argued that in real-time, the tackle looked different, with Ramos already having dipped into the tackle.
Mils Muliaina, another former All Black, also criticized the lack of clarity in the red-card process. He emphasized the need for a clearer and more consistent approach to such decisions.
Boks' Resilience Praised
Despite the controversial red card, the Springboks' composure and resilience under pressure were widely praised. Donald highlighted their ability to withstand an early onslaught from the French forwards and find ways to win key moments.
Muliaina added that the Boks' tight five were exceptionally quick, preventing the French forwards from gaining dominance at the set piece.
The Springboks' victory in Paris, even with ten men, showcases their strength and determination as they continue their Autumn Series campaign.