Super Rugby Pacific: Thunderous hit from Chiefs enforcer Samipeni Finau against Waratahs sparks tackle debate

Chiefs flanker Samipeni Finau has further enhanced his reputation this season as one of world rugby's premier enforcers, no better exemplified than in his bone-jarring tackle during Friday's win over the Waratahs.

Just three minutes into the match, Finau folded Waratahs' first first-five Tane Edmed, who was left dazed on the pitch afterwards after sustaining one of the biggest hits of the year so far.

The tackle illicited an audible gasp from the Sydney crowd, which quickly turned to boos when replays were screened inside the Allianz Stadium, imploring the referee to take a second look at what many believed was an illegal effort from Finau.

The TMO reviewed the tackle and decided no further action was required, essentially confirming Finau hadn't contacted Edmed high and attempted to wrap his arm to constitute a legal tackle.

The All Blacks forward has become a No. 10's worst nightmare this year, having already crunched Brumbies' Noah Lolesio and Moana Pasifika's William Havili.

But he's also erred on the wrong side of the law, penalised for his hit on Queensland's Tom Lynagh.

Finau's tackle was shared on the competition's social media channels, where replies were dominated by claims it was illegal and warranted at least a yellow card.

"Late and cowardly hit on a flyhalf looking the other way…again…," wrote one user.

"That’s not legal. Makes no attempt to wrap, leads with his shoulder, nearly takes his head off."

"Straight red card," added another.

After the game, Waratahs coach Darren Coleman admitted he needed to review the tackle but trusted the referee's call.

However, he also noted the tackle initially "didn't look good" and questioned if more needed to be done to protect players in such vulnerable positions, particularly just after a pass.

"They all looked at it, the TMO had a look at it and none of them had an issue," said Coleman. "They're the ones that adjudicate. I don't have the expertise to go against them.

"But it hurt. It would have hurt poor Tane. [Finau] has done a few of them this year.  

"I am always concerned by player safety, and to see Tane on the ground like that isn't good. I am not going to come out with crazy statements and make a headline, because I don't know if it was illegal.  

"I do know in rugby league they definitely protect the kicker, and there are times there where it's not too different where a ballplayer pulls off the ball and is not moving forward and is not braced for contact, how you adjust that? I don't know.  

"I don't have the answer right here and now. It might be worth looking at."

Coleman's counterpart Clayton McMillan had no issues with Finau's tackle, but conceded his flanker was walking a very fine tightrope separating the legal from the illegal and, potentially, highly dangerous.

McMillan says he's addressed those miniscule margins with Finau and the inherent risks of his missile-like technique.

"We're talking about a difference of about that much (10cm)," McMillan said.  

"Yeah, he's got an acute awareness around the small margins and he could be off the field (if he gets it wrong). He's an important player for us, so he needs to get it right.

"It's a brutal sport at times. You don't want to suppress your players from trying to physically dominate those collisions, but there is a responsibility on them all to make sure that they're accurate, and sometimes they get it wrong and they pay a heavy price individually and collectively.  

"Absolutely we don't want that to happen, safety is always paramount but we don't want to suppress them from going out there and being physical."

Led by outstanding first-five Damian McKenzie, the Chiefs overcame a slow start to finish strong against the Sydneysiders, running in six tries in a 38-22 win to move into third place in the competition standings.

They'll move on to host the Force in Hamilton next Saturday.

Chiefs flanker Samipeni Finau has further enhanced his reputation this season as one of world rugby's premier enforcers, no better exemplified than in his bone-jarring tackle during Friday's win over the Waratahs.

Just three minutes into the match, Finau folded Waratahs' first first-five Tane Edmed, who was left dazed on the pitch afterwards after sustaining one of the biggest hits of the year so far.

The tackle illicited an audible gasp from the Sydney crowd, which quickly turned to boos when replays were screened inside the Allianz Stadium, imploring the referee to take a second look at what many believed was an illegal effort from Finau.

The TMO reviewed the tackle and decided no further action was required, essentially confirming Finau hadn't contacted Edmed high and attempted to wrap his arm to constitute a legal tackle.

The All Blacks forward has become a No. 10's worst nightmare this year, having already crunched Brumbies' Noah Lolesio and Moana Pasifika's William Havili.

But he's also erred on the wrong side of the law, penalised for his hit on Queensland's Tom Lynagh.

Finau's tackle was shared on the competition's social media channels, where replies were dominated by claims it was illegal and warranted at least a yellow card.

"Late and cowardly hit on a flyhalf looking the other way…again…," wrote one user.

"That’s not legal. Makes no attempt to wrap, leads with his shoulder, nearly takes his head off."

"Straight red card," added another.

After the game, Waratahs coach Darren Coleman admitted he needed to review the tackle but trusted the referee's call.

However, he also noted the tackle initially "didn't look good" and questioned if more needed to be done to protect players in such vulnerable positions, particularly just after a pass.

"They all looked at it, the TMO had a look at it and none of them had an issue," said Coleman. "They're the ones that adjudicate. I don't have the expertise to go against them.

"But it hurt. It would have hurt poor Tane. [Finau] has done a few of them this year.  

"I am always concerned by player safety, and to see Tane on the ground like that isn't good. I am not going to come out with crazy statements and make a headline, because I don't know if it was illegal.  

"I do know in rugby league they definitely protect the kicker, and there are times there where it's not too different where a ballplayer pulls off the ball and is not moving forward and is not braced for contact, how you adjust that? I don't know.  

"I don't have the answer right here and now. It might be worth looking at."

Coleman's counterpart Clayton McMillan had no issues with Finau's tackle, but conceded his flanker was walking a very fine tightrope separating the legal from the illegal and, potentially, highly dangerous.

McMillan says he's addressed those miniscule margins with Finau and the inherent risks of his missile-like technique.

"We're talking about a difference of about that much (10cm)," McMillan said.  

"Yeah, he's got an acute awareness around the small margins and he could be off the field (if he gets it wrong). He's an important player for us, so he needs to get it right.

"It's a brutal sport at times. You don't want to suppress your players from trying to physically dominate those collisions, but there is a responsibility on them all to make sure that they're accurate, and sometimes they get it wrong and they pay a heavy price individually and collectively.  

"Absolutely we don't want that to happen, safety is always paramount but we don't want to suppress them from going out there and being physical."

Led by outstanding first-five Damian McKenzie, the Chiefs overcame a slow start to finish strong against the Sydneysiders, running in six tries in a 38-22 win to move into third place in the competition standings.

They'll move on to host the Force in Hamilton next Saturday.

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