New Zealand journo blasts Tadhg Beirne for ‘terrible play’ in red card hit

He did not hold back!

When all was said and done, it proved to be extremely costly for Ireland, not just because they were down a player for 20 minutes, but because the player in question is his country's best.

However, despite the online rage directed at the TMO, there is a strong argument that the anger was misplaced and it is the laws of the game that should be looked at.

The fact that there was no malice in Beirne's intentions doesn't matter. What is pertinent is that there was zero dip in his tackle, no wrap, and Barrett's head connected with his shoulder.

Writing for the New Zealand Herald, Winston Aldworth was in agreement with these sentiments, and ripped in Beirne for his technique.

He said: "His technique in that hit on Beauden Barrett was terrible. The 20-minute sanction was a reasonable punishment. The defence that he wasn’t expecting the runner is lame. The whole idea of attacking in rugby is to catch defenders unaware and if you’re not expecting a ball-runner, what are you doing on the field, mate?"

On the other had, Aaron Goile of the Post was more sympathetic.

He wrote: "Despite the Irish copping an early (ridiculous) red card, Scott Robertson’s side did not lead until inside the final quarter, but their scrum and bench proved decisive in sealing a win that went some way to avenging the historic loss to the same opponents at the same venue nine years ago."

"As another 61,841 sold-out crowd at Soldier Field waited with anticipation, a 52-minute first half that featured long, unnecessary stoppages and frequent mistakes produced a painful, pedantically officiated, low-quality spectacle."