Wallaby flanker Michael Hooper heads list of rugby’s big sinners
Hooper heads yellow list... but how come no Kiwis?
MICHAEL Hooper's yellow card at Twickenham last week might have been undeserved but, alas for the Aussie skipper, it does make him the most ‘binned’ player in Test rugby history with an impressive, if that’s the appropriate word, eight thus far.
Which is pretty good going for a player who has only just turned 26, although he has already packed in 78 Tests including 72 starts.
Hooper was hard done by against England but it’s swings and roundabouts; I always thought he was lucky to escape a red in the World Cup two years ago against the same opponents when he nearly atomised Mike Brown with one of the dodgiest clear outs you will ever see.
The list makes interesting reading and what hits you straight between the eyes is that not one Kiwi makes it into the top 20. You might think that a bit odd, I couldn’t possibly comment.
Appearing unexpectedly high in the roll of shame, in joint second place, is Italy lock Marco Bortolami with seven yellow cards and, indeed, one red.
I always looked upon Bortolami as one of the gentlemen of the game but in fact, statistically, you could argue he has the worst disciplinary record in Test history what with the sending off as well. Appearances can be deceptive.
But at least Bortolami made 112 Test appearances. Jamie Cudmore is there level with him on seven yellow in just 39 starts for Canada. Contrary to what you might expect the rugged Canuck didn’t get sent off in Test rugby although he gave it a decent crack over the years.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is Bryan Habana being right up there equal with the tough boy forwards Bortolami and Cudmore on seven. Surely some mistake? There’s no hiding place out on the wing if you tackle high, challenge for a bomb clumsily or slap the ball down when preventing a try, sorry going for the intercept as it’s otherwise called.
There are a few more names we should look out for. The splendid Georgian flanker Viktor Kolelishvili is showing much promise with six cards off 34 appearances. Victor, you will remember, is the man who copped a ban playing for Clermont against Ospreys a couple of seasons ago when he pushed referee Wayne Barnes out of the way as he was preparing to make a tackle. It didn’t worry Barnes a jot – he appreciated what was going on – but the ERC Disciplinary committee cited him and piled in with a 14 week suspension.
Another bolter who needs close watching is the Pumas lock Thomas Lavanini – who has virtually patented the no arms chop tackle. He shows real promise with five yellow cards and a red off just 32 starts.