Wales head coach Steve Tandy has described the red card shown to wing Josh Adams during their narrow 24-23 win over Japan as “harsh,” while Japan coach Eddie Jones has criticized the Television Match Official (TMO) system as “absurd and farcical.” The incident occurred in the Autumn Nations Series clash at Principality Stadium, Cardiff, where Wales secured a dramatic victory thanks to Jarrod Evans’ last-gasp penalty.
What Happened With Josh Adams’ Red Card
Adams was penalized for a dangerous clearout on Japanese wing Kippei Ishida just before half-time. Initially, referee Matthew Carley issued a yellow card, but after consulting the Foul Play Review Officer (FRPO) Quinton Immelman via the bunker review system, the decision was upgraded to a 20-minute red card.
This was the first red card for a Wales player since Ross Moriarty in 2018, and it immediately drew criticism from both coaching benches.
Tandy said:
“It was a harsh red. If you put yourself in a position like that, you’re in the hands of the gods. We have to be better and not bring TMOs into play. Those are the things we can control.”
Eddie Jones Slams TMO Decisions
Japan head coach Eddie Jones expressed frustration at multiple TMO decisions in the match, including yellow cards for Epineri Uluiviti, Faulua Makisi, and Harry Hockings. Jones said:
“It is almost farcical now the sin-bin situation. We are absolutely ruining the game of rugby. I don’t think any of the actions today were intentional and deserved to be sin-binned. Wales or us.”
He emphasized the need for World Rugby to review the current approach to player sanctions:
“The game of rugby is about 15 players on the field, and I think World Rugby should be looking at this very closely. It is becoming absurd.”
Jones also jokingly criticized the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), saying:
“If I was a fan I would be asking the WRU for my money back. But they can’t afford it so they are not going to give it back!”
Impact on the Match
Despite being temporarily reduced to 14 players, Wales managed to hold on for a one-point win against Japan. The tight result highlighted both teams’ resilience, but also put a spotlight on the controversial role of TMO decisions in modern rugby.
Tandy and Jones’ combined criticisms have sparked a wider debate about the use of technology in officiating, particularly in high-stakes international fixtures.
Key Takeaways
- Josh Adams received a 20-minute red card for a dangerous clearout against Japan.
- Wales won 24-23, with Jarrod Evans kicking the decisive penalty.
- Eddie Jones criticized the TMO system, calling current sin-bin protocols “absurd and farcical.”
- The match has intensified discussions on disciplinary consistency in international rugby.
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