NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson says the laws surrounding rugby’s aerial battle may need to be changed if star fullback Israel Folau is suspended over contact in the air during the Wallabies’ loss to Ireland in Sydney.
The Waratahs are awaiting the outcome of a World Rugby disciplinary hearing in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon with Folau in danger of missing their top-of-the-conference Super Rugby clash with Melbourne Rebels on Friday night.
Gibson said AFL showcased the marking contest between players and he hoped rugby wouldn’t try to legislate it out of the game.
“I hope it doesn’t because that’s the element of rugby that’s important, that there is a kick and there is a fair contest for the ball,” Gibson said on Wednesday morning.
“I don’t think in AFL they’ve got any particular rules governing that contest and so that’s why for me it’s really interesting, in terms of that law and what happens and the implications of what happens if he does get a sanction.”
Folau was yellow-carded and subsequently given a citing commissioner’s warning over two aerial contests in the third Wallabies Test after Irish skipper Peter O’Mahony, who was lifted by a teammate, landed awkwardly.
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Michael Hooper’s injury has put the Waratahs in a tough position ahead of their important next three games.
Gibson believed the outcome of Folau’s hearing could force authorities to change the rules surrounding the aerial challenge.
“I believe if he does get some time, there’s some real implications around the law-making process going forward,” he said.
“It really makes us look at the kick contest area and exactly how we can provide a law that provides for what is happening in terms of the collisions and guys landing on their heads.”