Tandy labels red card ‘harsh’ as Jones slams TMO system

Autumn Nations Series: Wales v New Zealand

Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 22 November Kick-off: 15:10 GMT

Wales head coach Steve Tandy says Josh Adams’ 20-minute red card against Japan was harsh.

Wing Adams was penalised for a dangerous clearout on Japan wing Kippei Ishida on the stroke of half-time.

English referee Matthew Carley initially gave a yellow card and sent the decision for a bunker review with the decision upgraded to a 20-minute red card by foul play review process officer (FRPO) Quinton Immelman.

Tandy’s opposite number Eddie Jones agreed and even labelled the television match official (TMO) system “absurd and farcical” after three Japan players were shown yellow cards.

But Tandy does not think Adams deserved his punishment.

He said: “It was a harsh red. If you put yourself in a position like that, you’re in the hands of the gods.

Japan head coach Eddie Jones agreed with Tandy on Adams’ verdict.

He was also incensed that Epineri Uluiviti, Faulua Makisi and Harry Hockings were shown yellow cards for what were deemed dangerous tackles.

“It is almost farcical now the sin-bin situation,” said Jones. “We are absolutely ruining the game of rugby.

“I don’t think any of the actions today were intentional and deserved to be sin-binned. Wales or us.

“We have to have a more sensible approach to the game. There are going to be contacts with the head.

“Unless it is reckless, which I didn’t see any of those actions being reckless, I don’t understand those sanctions. Of course we have got to have penalties but it needs to be looked at.”

Jones says the issues must be addressed by World Rugby.

“At one stage we were down to 13 men, they get a red card and they are down to 14 men,” said Jones.

“The game of rugby is about 15 players on the field and I think World Rugby should be looking at this very closely. It is becoming absurd.”

Japan led several times in the game but were unable to get over the line and record a first victory in Wales.

However, Jones could not resist one playful jibe at the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

“If I was a fan I would be asking the Welsh Rugby Union for my money back,” said Jones.