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All Blacks legend Brodie Retallick backed the 20-minute red card try after seeing their Rugby World Cup dreams dashed last October.
New Zealand lost by one point to the Springboks in the World Cup final, 12-11 at the Stade de France, but played the final 53 minutes with 14 men after Sam Cane was sent off.
Cane was sent off after a high shot on South African Jesse Kriel. While it was not malicious, under the current laws of the game it was a fair sending off for the then All Blacks captain.
Under the amendment that southern hemisphere countries want to make permanent, teams can replace a red-carded player after 20 minutes, reducing the number to 15.
Used in World Rugby competitions
This method was trialled during Super Rugby Pacific and has now been introduced at designated World Rugby events including the Under 20s Championship.
Critics of the law say it undermines player safety, but Retallick insists red cards detract from the “spectacle” of the sport.
“There is a responsibility to take care of people with head injuries and brain injuries, but that’s also part of the game,” he said. From words to actions.
“No one wants to see games ruined by cards, so they figure out a system or just find a way to make things fair and people can still enjoy the show.
“Whether it’s a 20-minute red card followed by a player coming back or whatever.”
Retallick’s opinion doesn’t necessarily stem directly from their World Cup defeat, but there is a lingering disappointment with how that game played out.
“I’m still a little frustrated by the cards and the way we don’t want to see a final play out. At the end of the day, that’s how it is,” he added.
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Exit from South Africa
Although the All Blacks were beaten by the Boks in that World Cup final, Retallick echoed the sentiments of many New Zealanders about South Africa’s departure from Super Rugby.
“The thing I miss most as I get older is the days when we would go on tour to South Africa. It’s such a great experience to have as a player and a spectator,” he said.
“Whether they can take part in the World Club Challenge or a global season, it generates so much interest and allows you to see players you don’t usually see. I think it has to be good for the game.”
“Even for player development. As a young Super Rugby player, having the chance to play in a South African Super Rugby team, if you go on to play internationally, you are used to the physicality and that level of aggression and the way the South Africans play.
“A lot of current players, especially at Super level, would never have played in South Africa.”
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