New Zealand’s Luke Jacobson was a lucky man after getting away with just a yellow card after launching himself over the top of the ruck to clear out Ireland’s Josh van der Flier.
MORE HERE: 🚨Disgraceful incident by one of the England players against the baby boks ..
Luke Jacobson is counting his lucky stars here!
The ref reckons the Irish player’s body position stopped him wrapping, but it sure doesn’t look that way.
Could easily have been a straight red!#NationsChampionship #NZLvIRE pic.twitter.com/FSPayxbfbb
— Sonwabi Son (@SonwabiSports) July 18, 2026
It’s been a long season for Ireland and all the players will get a well deserved rest now. Ireland can look back and be content with how the season has gone, but there is still a lot of work to do for Andy Farrell and his coaching team.
The aim for Ireland in the next 15 months has to be to finally get to that all important semi-final of the World Cup.
Can this Irish team be the first team to make it the final four of the Rugby World Cup?
To be fair, that is a red. Ban for 18 months or more. He is extremely lucky to get away with a yellow only. What message is that sending out?