Re player welfare, I have been watching the Big Crunch tackle that knocked out Ali and I’m wondering if the RFU edict to tackle low may be putting the tackler in more danger?
Personally I’d have tried to stay on my feet as long as possible to fix his running line then take him out by scragging him with a ‘standing’ tackle. I certainly wouldn’t have got my head anywhere near his big knees, if he was running at me head on.
The ‘o goshi’ is a traditional hip throw in Judo and it is perfectly legal, but it also can use the head-on runner’s own momentum. Always felt a great option to me but I’m bigger than this guy as well as being a 2nd row back in the day.
What do think? It was a superb effort from Ali but he’s picking up the pieces now. Hopefully on the mend.
Always a Wasp
