Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa claims that his teammate Darcy Swain is “devastated” for the damage he caused to All Black Quinn Tupaea’s knee during the Bledisloe I clash in Melbourne.
Swain was yellow carded for a dangerous clean-out that saw him make significant contact with Tupaea’s knee during the dramatic Test.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster feared an ACL injury for his player in his comments after the game, whilst many feel Swain should have been sent off for his actions.
Swain showed remorse
Alaalatoa says the incident had taken its toll on Swain, who looked distraught after the game and claimed the second-row had no intention of injuring the All Black centre.
“Seeing him after the game, mate, he was devastated,” Alaalatoa said.
“He was more devastated for Quinton (Tupaea).
“there was no intention there to injure him the way that he did.”
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This is not the first time Swain’s discipline has been in the spotlight after his red card earlier this year for a head butt on England’s Jonny Hill in the July internationals.
Granted, Hill was an instigator in that instance, but it will still be considered in his prior disciplinary record when the judicial committee decides on a ban for the Wallaby.
Wallabies showing their support
Alaalatoa says the team are supporting the second-row who has taken flack for his actions on social media as they prepare for the outcome of the judicial process.
“We definitely, as players and I think I’ve seen some of his close mates just throw their arm around him because he’s probably copping a fair bit on social media at the moment.”
“Mentally he’s doing alright but I can tell he was definitely devastated after the game for Quinton and what happened there.”
“I think he goes to the Judiciary today and then we’ll get an answer off that.”
The Wallabies travel to Eden Park for the final round of the Rugby Championship after their chances at claiming the title were dampened by a controversial time-wasting call by referee Mathieu Raynal at the end of the Bledisloe I Test. A decision that saw the Australians give up their lead in the game’s final play.
The Springboks and All Blacks are levels on points at the top of the log with only superior points difference, leaving the New Zealanders at the top of the pile.