Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Sam Tuitupou cited for dangerous tackle ‎on Paul Hodgson

Monday, October 11, 2010

Sam Tuitupou cited for dangerous tackle ‎on Paul Hodgson

Former Auckland Blues and Worcester center Sam Tuitupou has been cited for making a dangerous tackle on Paul Hodgson in Munster's meeting with London Irish in the Heineken Cup on the weekend.

While the goal is to get more tries and possibly highlights up, I heard about this citing earlier so thought some of you would be interested in seeing it. Highlights take time, whereas this is just a quick, easy clip to get up before hitting the sack.

Tuitupou was yellow carded for the tackle he made on scrumhalf Hodgson, who looked worse for wear after taking the hit, but later continued on. The Munster center was cited earlier today, accused of making a dangerous tackle by Welsh citing commissioner Ray Wilton.

Law 10.4(j) states that ‘Lifting a player from the ground and dropping or driving a player into the ground’ is dangerous, and that’s what he was pinged for. In other words, a spear, or tip tackle.

If found guilty a low end sanction will find him sitting on the sidelines for three weeks, mid range is six weeks, and maximum is 52 weeks. In this case, if found guilty, it shouldn’t be more than three weeks.

In other citing news, Cardiff Blues flanker Martyn Williams has been cited after he allegedly dropped a knee into Edinburgh’s Chris Paterson’s face. Scarlets lock Jonny Fa'amatuainu is also in trouble after he too made a dangerous tackle on the weekend.

UPDATE: Tuitupou has been suspended for three weeks for this tackle.

Time: 01:47

1st. bad tackle, rightly cited. I dont think it was malicious or at the higher end, so 3 or 4 weeks is appropriate.

By piggles, at October 12, 2010 12:27 am
Fair yellow, that was a pretty hideous tackle!

By Granty, at October 12, 2010 12:28 am
late and a fair yellow card. I would think that that is enough.

By neutral, at October 12, 2010 12:32 am
soft

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 12:34 am
Munster fan here - that was bang out of order. Mafi got himself a nice long ban for some high tackles last week, then our other fit centre does this. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Glad the Exile player wasn't injured.

By Mike, at October 12, 2010 12:35 am
look at them LI players applauding the ref for his decision. Pathetic. I think the ref was right to bin him but that other acting up really infuriates me. Why don't they go play a wimps game like soccer if they're going to applaude the ref sending people off? Pathetic men. Sad.

By Johnny Ireland, at October 12, 2010 12:52 am
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 1:24 am
^Feel good about yourself now, anonymous (at 1:24am)?

I'm sure it's past your bedtime now.

By children on the internet, at October 12, 2010 1:28 am
Munster have basically lost both their centres because of stupid tackles, one week after the next.
Incredible hari kari by the pair -.(hara kiri for u perfectionists!)

Reckless and irresponsible, really lettign their team mates down - eswp this one as it is the second onwe - ie he _knew_ mari was out, and he was finished the tackle. he just went further with it than was necessary.

In reality, he would have been cited afterwards, even if he had gotten away with it.

Ridiculous behaviour, deserves to have his wages cut for the week too.

Its not like they have big games comin up or anything!!!

By mise, at October 12, 2010 1:30 am
nice hit

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 1:40 am
that looked like it would hurt

By Unknown, at October 12, 2010 1:42 am
Tuitupou has been a terrible signing for us. In 6 games he has barely passed or sought an offload, contact every time. Warrick is the best option at 12 and this suspension will prove that because there is no one else available (maybe Scott Deasy who looks promising, but no experience). Warrick's play making ability is more important under the new rules.

RE: the tackle. Tuitupou said in an interview last week that Mafi's tackle would've been legal in Tonga. Bet thats coming back to haunt him now.

Any more word on Quinny's misdomeanor (rumour has it from good sources he's career is finished). Update would be good, Munster need him at the mo.

By Huh!! the 3rd, at October 12, 2010 1:44 am
I think the off-the-ball-factor mande it worse, Had Hosgson been with ball in hand I think it would have been a penalty at most.

By Juggernauter, at October 12, 2010 1:54 am
SO Soft. The scrumhalf jumped in the tackle, not much the tackler could have done...

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 2:00 am
You wouldnt read about it...Rugby continues its transition into a non contact sport

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 2:39 am
Hardly much sammy could do there,he did sortve jump up before being tackled,u racist pricks saying blame the brownies crack me up.without us the game would be less entertaining.take some harden up pills.

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 2:44 am
A quick clearing of anonymous comments would make this thread more reasonable.

What are you on about, Huh!!, when you say Quinlan's misdemeanor?

Also, will Gleeson be playing while Tuitupou is out then? It wouldn't hurt for Ireland to develop more options at number 12 (though I guess McFadden and Cave probably are looking to fill the D'Arcy/Wallace spot).

By ryan, at October 12, 2010 3:29 am
denis leamy was acting like a complete dick head the whole game

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 6:56 am
Wasn't that bad, barely tipped him.
Stop overanalysing every dangerous takcle and making out to be this hideous crime.
So he gets penalised, the yellow is more than enough punishment.
It happens, you move on.
It is part of the game, illegal tackles, they will always happen from time to time, no need to get upset about them.
The player gets punished, and you move on.

By Tom, at October 12, 2010 7:08 am
Honestly, maybe Islanders should stop playing in Europe.
Let them play soft.
It'll just make it even easier than it already is for the SH teams to dominate international rugby, while they cry every time someone gets penalised for an illegal tackle.
And by the way, that is not a spear tackle, are you fucking kidding me?
Drink some concrete and harden the fuck up.

By Jono, at October 12, 2010 7:10 am
It's a careless tackle and a dick move, maybe a penalty and yellow, but I don't think the citing is really necessary.

On another note, I didn't know the bit about Tuitupou defending Mafi's poor tackles, saying they would've been legal elsewhere. I think that is an issue, though. If Mafi's tackles are legal anywhere, then wherever permits that sort of tackle is going to be in trouble if they want to play by IRB laws. Simple as that. Follow the rulebook and you'll be fine. But again, that's regarding Mafi and not Tuitupou here.

By pint of plain, at October 12, 2010 7:23 am
you fella get all our shit players

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 8:18 am
Any player these days who tip-tackles like this should know what's coming.

I wonder though if he will get an entry-level sanction - that was pretty deliberate, and it's really hard to see what mitigating factors Tuitupou can point to. Maybe he's got a good disciplinary history, and that will buy him some favours, but there was nothing accidental about this that's why he might get a bit more than the minimum slap on the wrist.

By edbok, at October 12, 2010 9:56 am
In Tuitipou's defense, Hodgson did turn his body with the ball, probably wasn't 100% that he had given the ball already/

By Bradders, at October 12, 2010 9:56 am
Racist comments are now cleaned up. Please can everyone keep things clean and respectful, or not comment at all. Thanks

By GMC, at October 12, 2010 10:29 am
But don't you agree RD that it's mostly the polynesians? ^_^

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 11:03 am
Nothing racist about it, just an observation that they appear to be committing these illegal acts more than the normal player.

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 11:04 am
a normal yellow card
He will just take fairly 3 weeks even the fall was soft.

a personal point on Berdos. i'm happy to see that ref in H-Cup. He is constantly good in his decisions and he improved his "frog" english ;)

He was very criticized in top 14 to advantage some big fishes but his way to ref is not bad.

By Flooz, at October 12, 2010 11:17 am
Islanders thing is just a bad excuse. They tackle hard and dangerously but i don't forget guys such like Cudmore, some french props and many others

By Flooz, at October 12, 2010 11:19 am
anyone else think that hodgson and stringer looked like a couple of jelly babies running around?

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 12:45 pm
Yellow card? That was harsh. Jesus, that is nothing.

By Josh, at October 12, 2010 12:53 pm
"But don't you agree RD that it's mostly the polynesians? ^_^"

Hmmm...i guess its a bit like all those white paedophiles in our society (shrug)...

By pedo, at October 12, 2010 1:17 pm
Its a bit harsh to give a ban for that. Just a yellow card is fair. If Hodgson had the ball then i would say just a penalty and leave it at that. He didn't drive him into the ground hard he let go of him before

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 1:24 pm
Jono and the rest of you guys commenting on 'soft NH rugby'

I suggest you scroll through the RD videos of citings and cards...you'll see that SH rugby has shown some pretty weak cards recently as well as some weak play...

I don't recall a SH domination of the NH....

I recall an NZ>NH etc...but thats as far as it goes...

By :), at October 12, 2010 3:31 pm
What's happening with Quinlan??????????? Can't find anything on the web about it. Someone please elaborate!!!!! Thanks.

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 3:49 pm
Firstly, I am always shocked that these posts turn into race bashing between the ignorant idiots (same with the Mafi post last week). It is a shame because I am sure 99.99% of the people that follow this site couldn't give a monkeys about their narrow views.

Now to the rugby, very harsh citing indeed. Certainly a penalty as it was late and, as it was a lift and drop, probably warranted a yellow - but no more than that.

Not sure about those calling for Warwick at 12 as the midfield defence (Stringer, O'Gara, Warwick and Earls) would be tantamount a turnstile. Those who lament the signing of Tuitupou for his lack of ball skills would do well to remember his sterling work without the ball (up until now!)

By Sebbb, at October 12, 2010 3:53 pm
What a stupid act by Tuitupou! No need and deliberate. Deffo deserves a yellow AND THIS ONE'S FOR @JONO's attention because it was late, a tip tackle, deliberate and he should know better....

Especially when you look at the rash of SOFT SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE TACKLES given yellow and citing during the tri-nations. Yet again the SH is leading the way in rugby union, only this time it is to the detriment of us all and the sport we love...sorry haven't had a troll for a while but think the above has an element of truth to it..

By NiWiTa, at October 12, 2010 4:00 pm
I think the tackler gets an unfair shake so often in the contact situation and this is an example. If a player suddenly ducks extremely low, trips face first into a tackle, or (as happens here) basically jumps in the air as soon as he gets hit after TURNING HIS BACK into a committed tackler and then gets set on the ground why should the tackler receive all the blame? It is not the easiest thing in the world to control another grown man's body if he is flailing about in the air.

By Jill Kilpatrick, at October 12, 2010 4:15 pm
Garbage. A guy jumps into a tackler hiding the ball, what is the tackler supposed to do! How about this: if you are carrying the ball, don't run so that you are in a position to get dumped.Every time I have been dumped, or "tip-tackled" it has been my own fault. Run hard and low.

By tb, at October 12, 2010 4:27 pm
After reading the commenst from Munster fans here i hope he gets banned for a good few weeks; Get over it; He dumped a player without the ball on his head; FACT.

"Jono said...
And by the way, that is not a spear tackle, are you fucking kidding me?
Drink some concrete and harden the fuck up." = MUNSTER TROLL

"Johnny Ireland said...
look at them LI players applauding the ref for his decision. Pathetic. I think the ref was right to bin him but that other acting up really infuriates me. Why don't they go play a wimps game like soccer if they're going to applaude the ref sending people off? Pathetic men. Sad." = MUNSTER TROLL

"Tom said...
Wasn't that bad, barely tipped him.
Stop overanalysing every dangerous takcle and making out to be this hideous crime.
So he gets penalised, the yellow is more than enough punishment.
It happens, you move on.
It is part of the game, illegal tackles, they will always happen from time to time, no need to get upset about them.
The player gets punished, and you move on.! = MUNSTER TROLL

could go on and on with the amount of clowns supporting Munster on this comments section;

Get real!! hes gonna get banned so quit whinging about it and get used to johne murphy back in the centre

By Kenny, at October 12, 2010 4:37 pm
And what do you know!!

Another beauty

"tb said...
Garbage. A guy jumps into a tackler hiding the ball, what is the tackler supposed to do! How about this: if you are carrying the ball, don't run so that you are in a position to get dumped.Every time I have been dumped, or "tip-tackled" it has been my own fault. Run hard and low."

you clown; thats how people can break their necks; wouldn't that be great entertainment, if he broke his neck on the field the weak b"%tard!!!

By Kenny, at October 12, 2010 4:41 pm
It is called rugbydump, great clip

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 6:09 pm
Just to add an other name to the citing list: Jamie Cudmore, Clermont second row, has been cited for a stamping and/or a kick on Jacques Burger, Saracens flanker. For the moment he has been suspended by his club.

By Vince88, at October 12, 2010 6:38 pm
kenny wise up and stop ranting at people for having views.
i agree that it was stupid and pointless to follow through as he did but at the same time can understand how it may have ended up as it did without him doing it intentionally. couple of weeks ban as it wasnt overly malicious and leave it at that. munster will be punished enough now that they're without their two 12s. johne murphy will go to 12 where he really doesnt belong

By dopeyjames, at October 12, 2010 7:33 pm
Kenny,

I gotta say, all the posts you are complaining were reasonable enough and contained valid points.

In my opinion, I think a yellow is reasonable, a 3 week ban is a bit harsh and anything more is simply unnecessary. It was foolish but not particularly malicious.

- Ken "not a MUNSTER TROLL" Gardener

By Anonymous, at October 12, 2010 8:18 pm
Kenny - the first post by someone who claims to be a Munster fan is comment 5 by me. Read it.

The other comments defending the tackle - can you prove that they are Munster fans, or just people who have a different view on it to you and me?

Please stop insulting Munster fans based on anonymous comments that could be from anybody.

By Mike, at October 12, 2010 10:10 pm
Looked like Sam's head was down and committeed to the tackle. Think some of you guys up north are getting really soft and finding excuses to shout foul play. You guys are beginning to sound like football fans not rugby fans.

By Anonymous, at October 13, 2010 12:34 am
I'm Australian, I've never even been to Ireland, Kenny.
I'm just sick of the rash of yellow cards and red cards in the game for what amounts to accidental illegal tackles.
To be fair, there was a period this season in the SH where refs went nuts and were carding things for no good reason (there were following a retarded IRB directive to card foul play out of the game).
There was a backlash, and the refs have pulled their heads in.
The game is tough, when you play it, you will occaisonally step over the line.
So you penalsie it, give a card in extremely bad situations (like blatant cheating and deliberate foul play like eye gouging), but overall a penalty is usually fine.
Ten years ago no one would have blinked about the tackles that are now resulting inr ed cards and guys getting banned for weeks and months.
It's ridiculous.
Most illegal tackles are accidents, you can't remove them from the game without softening the sport and sanitising it.
You shouldn't try.
And the whole thing with fans calling for cards and moaning about dangerous players, it's not rugby. It's a soccer attitude.

By Jono, at October 13, 2010 12:57 am
Jono = Convict

By Anonymous, at October 13, 2010 1:22 am
Bloody oath.

By Jono, at October 13, 2010 4:25 am
to all the islanders..

kuu kaalo faasamoa i samoa.. ua uma e iloa kakou a vaivai kigo kagaka palagi

enough already.. we are in their land now and should play by their rules..

By islandstylin', at October 13, 2010 5:48 am
Sole se kefe. Aua eke fi palagi lau ufa. If those palagi's can't handle a hit then they should play netball.

By Anonymous, at October 13, 2010 6:18 am
shhh kefe.. o ai fia palagi?? faga lou ulu.. faafefea e maua lou kogukalake ae le iloa kaalo i le kulafogo a europa?? e ese samo ae ese palagi..

alu ia moe

By islandstylin', at October 13, 2010 6:41 am
soft

By Anonymous, at October 13, 2010 9:09 am
There is one anonymous clown here claiming to be a Pacific Islander posting ten anonymous posts on every thread. I can't wait until he reaches his teens and grows out of it.

Perhaps RD should require registration to comment, cut out fools like that, and let actual rugby fans chat.

By Mike, at October 13, 2010 11:15 am
bloody hell rugbys getting soft.

By Anonymous, at October 13, 2010 2:53 pm
Come on lads - irrespective of nationality/ethnic origin wind-up merchants, the tackle was late, was "a tip tackle", unsporting and pretty silly considering recent refereeing decisions...within the rules of the game Tuitupou had to have 10 minutes in the bin..

I am in favour of committed tackling and playing hard tackling rugby...However this kind of player stupidity detracts from the game and tends to mean the referee's are even more whistle-happy then usual.

By NiWiTa, at October 13, 2010 5:41 pm
RE: Quinny.

Munster had a team meeting in Michelstown last week and views were aired (similar to Ire's famous one in Meath when Kearney called into question the Munster player's dedication to the Ire green).

Rumours from some in the know claim Quinny and Mcgahan had it out over certain things and had to be seperated, when Quinny (who by the way has been Munster's best player this season yet again) wasn't even in the 23 for LI game, those rumours looked more accurate. However, he's been included in squad for Toulon, so, who knows.

I was just posting what I've heard. Poss not true, but I'm correct about Warrick being best option at 12 and Tuitupou being a terrible signing. So hoping that the ball bounced for Howlett instead v LI.

By Huh!! the 3rd, at October 13, 2010 5:54 pm
Well Kenny wins the special award for dumbest and most ironic troll comment EVER!!!! Well done mate, you are especially dumb.
I'm a Leinster man, born and bred. I don't want to surprise you, with your incredible knowledge of rugby and all, but there's a difference between Munster and Leinster fans. A Munster Troll I am not.
Funnily enough I said the ref was right to bin him, this seems to be in line with your thinking. But you're obviously too thick to read so you decided to call me a Munster Troll. Maybe you should be a detective with your incredible powers of deduction.
I would imagine you're a LI fan offended by me not liking your players applauding the refs card. Get a grip. They look like the italian soccer team there giving the ref his pat on the back.
And finally, Munster will still be in this years Heinken long after LI have been dumped out.

By Johnny Ireland, at October 13, 2010 9:36 pm
whoaa Johnny boy calm down there; sorry for insulting your Lunster background;

nope im not an LI fan' i just dont rate Munsters chances this year and im not a fan of dangerous tackles and people trying to excuse them.

I think they were right to applaud the ref for putting his foot down and sending tuitopoo to the bench for a really dangerous tackle; alot of refs bottle important decisions; not in this case and im Irish as well; it doesnt matter where your from though; a dangerous tackle derserves a card and for that needs a ref with balls to show the card. fair fucks to him.

By Kenny, at October 15, 2010 11:27 am
Good to see this arguement still bubbling along...I don't think many people on this site should be as derogatory of London Irish's performance as they are....Perhaps Munster lost because the exiles didn't allow them to play well? :)

By NiWiTa, at October 15, 2010 2:49 pm
"Perhaps Munster lost because the exiles didn't allow them to play well? :)"

Absolutely except for the last ten minutes Munster idnt show up and more importantly that try apart havent looked like scoring against decent opposition for quite a while now.

By Kenny, at October 15, 2010 2:53 pm
Hi Kenny - if an Irish or Munster supporter I suppose it must be not be too pleasent to have watched them play so badly....Have to admit like many recent games the lack of open play by both sides was disappointing.....I am starting to enjoy Rugby League more which will probably get me a lot of grief from people on the site.........

Anyway point being I had hoped London Irish would try some more of their attacking open play then they did. It is about time we in the NH started flinging the ball around with more poise and attacking guile. Do you think Munster will continue in this current vein of form. If so why are they platying so badly as everyone on this site has been highlighting?

By NiWiTa, at October 15, 2010 4:37 pm
quite simple mate; keith earls and johne murphy need to be playing in the centre;

Mcgahan is playing two bosher centres who run directly into traffic every time they get their mits on the ball;

Against an abject Toulon side who stood off them time and time again allowing Earls and Murphy time to spread the ball wide and finally unleash Howlett. Simple; those suspensions are the best thing that happened to Munster.

By Kenny, at October 18, 2010 11:05 am