No easing off at rugby World Cup despite citings 'lottery' - All Black hardman

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2007

MARSEILLE, France (AFP) — All Blacks hardman Jerry Collins has warned there will be no holds barred in his team's close-quarter play at the World Cup despite the tough stance taken by the IRB on dangerous tackles.

South African flanker Schalk Burger has been banned for four matches for a tackle on Samoan scrum-half Junior Poluleuligaga in Sunday's 59-7 win, while US centre Paul Emerick was suspended for five weeks for a dangerous tackle on England outside-half Olly Barkley.

Collins, widely regarded as one of the toughest defenders in world rugby, said that being cited for a rash tackle during a game had become a "lottery" and stressed that it did not play on his mind during the 80 minutes.

"It's a lottery whether you're going to get a referee who's pedantic...