“There was certainly provocation there, not just in that situation but also earlier in the game”; Australia coach Dave Rennie reflects on Darcy Swain’s red card for head-butting England’s Jonny Hill during the first Test
By PA Media
Last Updated: 03/07/22 2:10pm
Referee James Doleman sent Darcy Swain off following his head-butt on England’s Jonny Hill in Perth
Australia’s Darcy Swain could face a suspension after being ordered to attend an independent disciplinary hearing in the wake of his red card for head-butting Jonny Hill.
The Wallabies second row was dismissed for the off-the-ball incident towards the end of the first half of Saturday’s Test series opener against England in Perth.
Swain’s disciplinary hearing will take place on Tuesday – but Australia head coach Dave Rennie felt his player was subjected to repeated ‘provocation’ prior to the flashpoint at Optus Stadium.
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Hill, who was sin-binned at the same time, could be seen pulling the 24-year-old’s hair at one stage earlier in the game.
“I’m not sure if it was a team plan, but there was certainly provocation there,” said Rennie. “Not just in that situation but also earlier in the game.
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Darcy Swain has been shown a red card for Australia after an incident involving Jonny Hill.
“We’ll have a decent look at the footage and work out how we’re going to appeal that. We’ll have a decent look at the card and we’ll be seeking clarity around it.”
Despite the loss of Swain, Rennie’s side went on to triumph 30-28 and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Watch the second Test between Australia and England in Brisbane on Saturday July 9, live on Sky Sports Action from 10.15am.
