Jiu Jitsu moves spell end for day of jackal

THE Bledisloe Cup clash between Australia and New Zealand was a rip-roaring encounter, yet the majority of the post-game coverage was dedicated to two incidents: the late call for Bernard Foley’s supposed time-wasting and the dangerous clearout from Darcy Swain which left All Blacks centre Quinn Tupaea in all sorts of bother.

In an attempt to clear Tupaea from a ruck, Swain effected a jiu jitsu-like move to get the Kiwi centre out of the way. Swain got a yellow card, Tupaea suffering a ruptured medial cruciate ligament (MCL) and partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

The 23-year-old is facing nine months out.

Understandably, there has been no shortage of anger towards Swain in recent days. The Wallabies lock will face a disciplinary committee tomorrow.

There is no doubt that Swain’s actions on the field were reckless and he will undoubtedly received a lengthy ban, but there is a wider issue here.

Jackalling has become a popular term. George Smith, the great Wallabies openside, pioneered this ability to get over the ball, limpet-like, and win turnovers at the breakdown. Munster and Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne is world class in this field.

Unfortunately, it has created a very dangerous scenario. Once a player gets into this position, it’s very hard to clear them legally. Thus, we are getting all these dangerous side entries and resulting injuries. Dan Leavy’s career-ending injury arose directly from one such incident in 2019. Rather than throw the book at the offender, maybe it’s time for World Rugby to get to the root of the problem?

The day of the jackal looks to be over.