Dave Ewers: Exeter flanker cited for dangerous tackle after Sale yellow card - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57470278
No way we are getting Ewers or Skinner, both were shoulder direct to head with what most would say (inc me) should have been 2 reds
Theres your back row replacement for Ewers
Would you select him for England?
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I think he's got a point to be fair. But he's stuffed due to the fact that potential litigation is going to drive the direction of the game. Ultimately it doesn't matter how much current players wish to play a game that involves giving each other brain damage World Rugby cannot allow that. If they do, they'll be sued out of existence. There have been some absolute nonsense red cards but Ewers isn't really one of those. He absolutely smashed a bloke in the head.Baxter's having a wobbly
Dave Ewers and Sam Skinner: Exeter Chiefs forwards banned for play-offs
Exeter boss Rob Baxter criticises the "frightening inconsistency" of how dangerous tackles are being interpreted after Sam Skinner and Dave Ewers are banned.www.bbc.co.uk
I don't think he really has a point. His bit about the inconsistency is not his main point. He feels that players like Ewers who have never been carded should be treated differently. That is inconsistent. While some refs are inconsistent (and will always be to some degree), everyone knows the rules now and they should know if they tackle upright like that, they run the risk of making contact to the head. It's also clear that it is being driven for player safety. Saying that it's just because older players are suing is misleading. Yes rugby wants to avoid law suits, but they also do have player welfare in mind. If they were just worried about lawsuits they could get the players to sign a contract saying they are aware of the risks and are happy to take them (I'm sure there are issues with this, but hopefully you get my point). The game has a huge issue and it has been shown that older players are suffering long term effects from repeated head injuries. Saying that players now should be allowed to get away with tackling like that because they are playing now is a joke. That's not putting player safety first. It's been said before you can't listen to players now who want to play on even if they've got a concussion, because they aren't objective and they can't fully appreciate the damage they will do to themselves when they are older. If rugby puts players first now, then it will only lead to more injuries based on Baxter's view.
