'Newton's third law': Schmidt defence of rested Tizzano

Perth Now

4 days ago

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt reckons resting Carlo Tizzano from the third Test against the British and Irish Lions is best for the flanker's welfare after becoming the target of online abuse.
Tizzano has been omitted from the match-day 23 for Saturday's "dead rubber" in Sydney after being swept up in raging debate swirling around the Lions' last-gasp 29-26 second-Test win in Melbourne.
The Wallabies were furious that Jac Morgan's clearout on Tizzano in the build-up to Hugo Keenan's final-minute try at the MCG last Saturday went unpunished by the officials.
Lions flyhalf Finn Russell later accused Tizzano of making the most of the challenge, stating that he "obviously holds his head and tried to get a penalty from it", while former England flanker James Haskell declared the Wallabies replacement should have been sent off for "diving".
Schmidt, though, insists it's all a matter of physics.
"He's had a really tough week. He's copped a lot of online abuse," Schmidt told reporters.
"The only thing I'd say in defence of Carlo is that there were just over 54 Gs of force that went directly through the neck, which is enough to cause serious injury, although not to a rugby player who is as well conditioned as Carlo.
"We are all aware of Newton's third law - for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
"When that force hits him and the speed of his head collapsing down, he recoiled out the back of the ruck.
"I don't think he wanted to recoil like that but that's the nature of force. That there is an equal and opposite reaction.
"We weren't sure about him on Tuesday. He was still pretty sore. He was great today (Thursday). He was right back to the irrepressible character he is.
"I've advised Carlo to stay away from the media full stop, and the opinions that are out there. For Carlo, it's better that he sits this one out."
Schmidt made it clear in the bitter aftermath to last week's series-deciding loss that he felt Morgan's clear-out was illegal and the no-penalty decision went against World Rugby's campaign for player safety.
While the New Zealander escaped sanction, World Rugby chief Alan Gilpin was unimpressed.
Five days on and Schmidt wants to leave the saga in the past and focus on ensuring the Wallabies avoid becoming the first team to be whitewashed 3-0 in a Lions series in Australia since 1904.
"You can lament all sorts of things," Schmidt said.
"I actually feel like (Italian referee) Andrea Piardi had a good game.
"There's a couple of decisions we might not agree with, but I thought he refereed well. So we're not looking at refereeing decisions.
"We're looking at what we could have done better, making sure that we try to repair those things."
With agencies