Pob's recent memo to his disciples noted that they should be wary and penalize the grapple type of clean out. That is basically a choke hold whilst ripping a player back. I counted at least 3-4 of these on pocock alone, yet not one single penalty for the offense despite it always being in plain view. I would be very angry if Cooper (knee) or nonu (high tackle) got cited but none of these 'grapples' were.
I must say I noticed this also... and quite often. Pocock might not have been targeted but merely the most frequent recipient as he is involved in a lot of rucks, but I noted on atleast 6 occassions Pocock being wrestled away at the ruck by a All Black wrapping his arms around his neck. This is not only illegal but so incredibly dangerous. All it would take is Pocock to get hit by any other player (including his own) whilst completely defenseless and with his neck 'locked' in a certain position and we are talking serious wheelchair bound neck injury potential.
it's a blight on the game. It's come from rugby league (Melb Storm) who work hard on wrestling type plays and holds... and works on the principle that any player will immediately stop what he is doing if he has pressure applied to his neck (it's a self protection thing). The SAfrica's took it on board firstly about 2 years ago but afte ra few incidents in the last 12 months they seem to have started to try and move away from it.
But it looks a clear tactic from the All Blacks and I think it's a disgrace. And if Quade gets cited, so should Richie for throwing a punch earlier in the game and so should every NZ player who grappled around the neck.
Perhaps some Aussie's did it also? I'm not sure. I didn't notice it but perhaps thats because as a fan you tend to focus more on the oppositions infringements.
Quade was silly but it was just a bit of niggle (albeit unnecessary) and no malice or force behind it. He will if cited argue it was accidental and he will probably get away with it.
I was however frustrated by the All Blacks being off side at the rucks (atleast a metre as noted by the Fox sports commentary) and realistically Genia should never get charged down if blokes are truly on side at the back of the last feet.
I also thought Woodcock put his arm to the floor several times during scrums which I always thought was a penalty.
As for Ali Williams - his performance and stupid niggle is nothing more than a once top player in decline and resorting to stupid stuff to try and stay on top and stay in the game. He's knows he is in decline and his best years are behind him and his niggle is more to do with his own frustrations I feel.
