Ben Earl Tackle Sparks Fierce Debate as Fans Clash Over Legality
Rugby NewsSaturday, 19 July 2025 at 19:09
A string of content decisions has sparked heated debate online, with fans making their voices heard loud and clear.
We’ve taken a look at the three biggest flashpoints causing all the noise
1. Curry’s Tackle on Tom Lynagh Goes Unpunished
The drama began early when Tom Curry executed a brutal tackle on Wallabies fly-half Tom Lynagh, appearing to make contact while Lynagh was in the air. Despite the dangerous nature of the challenge, no sanction was given—a decision that left many stunned.
Fan reactions poured in:
“Curry tackle in air. No yellow. Furlong shoulder to head. No yellow. Regardless of mitigation, Lions are lucky.”
“Curry lucky to still be on the park after that shocker tackling Lynagh in the air.”
2. Furlong’s Shoulder to the Head of Ikitau
Later, Tadhg Furlong came under scrutiny for a clean-out that saw his shoulder make direct contact with the head of Len Ikitau. After a TMO review, the officials deemed it a penalty-only offence, sparing Furlong any time in the bin.
This sparked significant backlash:
Rugby writer Jared Wright posted:“That is wild. Tadhg Furlong VERY lucky to be on the pitch.”
“Furlong would be incredibly lucky to stay on the field here.”
“There’s direct contact to the head by Furlong. Officials not interested.”
“Given current reffing standards, I’m surprised Furlong has got away with that!”
“It's true though. Furlong should be off for 10. O'Keefe is a joke.”
However, some fans saw it differently:
“Honestly what are we doing if that’s foul play for Furlong.”
“Nothing in that. Ikitau is coming up when Furlong makes contact.”
3. Ben Earl's Controversial Try-Saving Tackle
To add to the chaos, Ben Earl made a try-saving tackle on Joseph Sua'ali’i. The referee ruled that Earl had used his arms, clearing him of foul play. But again, many viewers strongly disagreed with the decision.
Social media reactions included:
“How have they concluded that Ben Earl wrapped there?”
“Ben Earl should get a yellow card for that tackle on Joseph Sua'ali’i.”
“That was a terrible tackle by Ben Earl.”
“English chop tackle technique is shocking. Love Ben Earl but he's good for one of these every time I see him play. And LCD is just as bad for it too.”
"The way Ben Earl launched himself at Sua'ali'i’s knees there with no control is more dangerous than the overwhelming majority of plays we see deemed worthy of a card. Rugby unions approach to player safety & policing foul play is like a dog chasing its own tail."
"Ben Earl with the most Saracens tackle I’ve seen in years. Ostensibly a no arms tackle but let’s momentum carry his arms forward to get away with illegal play. Lucky boy"
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Quiz Title: Most Points for the British & Irish Lions in Test Matches
Introduction:
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?
You have 5 minutes.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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