Shocking head shot in Ireland game sparks controversy

After starting the third test at blistering pace, Ireland’s second half did not open the way they would have wanted.

Coming out for the second 40, Ireland found themselves 22-3 up away in New Zealand and were flying high.

However, just five minutes into the second period they conceded a try and things soon got worse.

With the All Blacks on the front foot, Andrew Porter went to make a tackle on Brodie Retallick however got his technique all wrong and made clear head on head contact.

The shot was not nice viewing and Retallick later failed a Head Injury Assessment as a result – however what has caused the real controversy is how Porter was only given a yellow card.

Should Andrew Porter have received a red card for this incident? Or was a yellow card fair?

A potentially defining moment of the game #NZvIRE pic.twitter.com/M7uBHBKcQB

— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) July 16, 2022

This decision comes only a week after Kiwi prop, Angus Ta’avao was shown a red card for a similar challenge against Garry Ringrose.

It will surely leave New Zealand fans feeling hard done by.

Referee Wayne Barnes supported his decision by explaining that Porter’s tackle was not dominant and hence it only warranted a yellow card.

However fans on Twitter aren’t so sure it was the correct decision.

Can just feel New Zealand rugby Twitter EXPLODING here

Wayne Barnes talking that Andrew Porter high tackle down from red to 🟨

Ireland prop very fortunate not to get sent off

— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) July 16, 2022

Andrew Porter is a lucky boy.

Yellow card as Wayne Barnes judged that Porter absorbed the tackle. #NZLvIRE

— Tight Five Rugby (@TightFive_Rugby) July 16, 2022