Sharples was impressive in parts, but didn't get enough clean ball to work from. For England, Twelvetrees and Knight were the ones who put in a good shift imo.
People saying that he may have been gouged up to three points before this incident. If true and if it's this player that Hazell attacked, even if it doesn't entirely excuse what Hazell did, I have a lot more sympathy for Hazell, and hope that what the culprit did comes to light.
Just saw the Hazel incident. Whether he was gouged or not it was a complete loss of control and was borderline sinister.
This is going to sound strange but the knee was by far the worst part of it. The player was not retaliating, was completely defenceless and it could have caused a really really serious injury.
There's no justification for any of the behaviour, but you can see how and why he reacted the way he did. What I can not understand is the extent of the retaliation.
****, that's some serious ****, even if he was gouged (if true, Mont de Marsan player deserves a long ban - hate gougers) that's just disgusting, especially since he's not even trying to defend himself on the floor, and Hazell puts a knee in his face...
What that clip doesn't show is Hazell getting gouged and then getting clocked from behind. I'm not defending the guy, because that was just plain terrible, but it wasn't entirely uncalled for.
I watched the game and neither then or since have I seen any evidence of gouging......not to say it did not happen but saw no footage.....and neither did I see too much damage or instant complaints from him of the potential gouge! Wonder if Davies was doing a Rodgers when he defended the diver.........................
MdM had something like 10 academy players out and I thought that they were terrific and totally committed although limited in attack. Gloucester were likewise under strength, although having much stronger squad, but did not put them away as they should have.............12trees was very good but Kalamafoni was superb!!
Nigel Davies said, "The doctor's had a look at Andy's eye. It was severely sore and very red. And we took some pictures of that, because that was damning evidence in its own right."
But to be fair to Nigel he has also said that he did not condone the action of Hazell.
Blah. Gloucester left with 10 second row/back row players now. One is a newbie (Evans), three in their mid-30s (Buxton, James, Brown), Hamilton and Morgan will be gone for a lot of internationals, Qera and Kalamafoni for some internationals. Season going to be defined by how well we deal with a lack of depth in the pack I think.