ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Commentators accused of glorifying illegal play after this huge Fijian tackle

BY Grant Constable  ·  Thursday Mar 8, 2018

Fiji and Russia met at the Las Vegas Sevens, with Fiji easy 38-0 winners. This tackle right in the closing minutes caused a bit of commotion, as Sean Maloney and co-commentators made a lot of noise about it. Some though, were not as impressed. 

Fiji’s Vasikali Mudu made the thumping smother-shot on Ilya Babaev, which at first looked good, with physicality being an aspect of rugby that we all enjoy. As replays showed though, Mudu’s head appeared to make contact with Babaev’s chin, contributing to the devastating blow.  

“Can’t remember a bigger shot. This is next level,” tweeted Maloney. 

After we retweeted it on twitter, there were a number of complaints, mainly saying that the commentators (and perhaps, us too) were glorifying illegal tackles. 

WATCH: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE USA’S INCREDIBLE WIN

There was a bit of a backlash, with one user saying “Disgraceful commentary” while another said “Commentator clearly not in the real world.” Then another: “It’s head to chin. Why the living hell are you glorifying taking someone out with a head to the chin?”

Clearly Mudu’s head did make contact with the chin, but with arms attemping to grasp and shoulders hitting below the neckline, was it an illegal tackle or simply an unfortunate outcome?

Let us know what you think, as opinions on this one vary.

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji Drua player Lomani slapped with ban...

  • 46 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations...

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 18 HOURS AGO

    Springbok star scores screamer on debut for Sagamihara Dynaboars

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Bears fly as 100 metre finish already touted as try of the season

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Hassell-Collins pounces on HUGE Sharks mistake in chaotic scenes

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

View All

Funnies

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

View All

Amateur

  • 102 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 102 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 125 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 125 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 125 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

View All