Following Sam Cane’s controversial red card, which marred the World Cup final, fans called for the implementation of the “20-minute red card.”
In the first half of the Stade de France showcase, the All Blacks captain, Sam Cane, made contact with Jesse Kriel’s head with his shoulder.
Initially, referee Wayne Barnes sent Cane to the sin-bin, but upon review through the bunker system, the punishment was upgraded to a red card.
The idea of the 20-minute red card originated as a trial during the Super Rugby competition, with the intention of striking a balance between player discipline and ensuring teams aren’t excessively disadvantaged by an early red card.
During the trial, a player who received a red card for foul play could be temporarily replaced by a substitute after spending 20 minutes off the field. This tactical substitution aimed to find a middle ground between maintaining a competitive match and penalizing severe violations of the game’s rules.
Despite generating significant interest and debate during the trial, it was ultimately not extended to the Rugby World Cup.
One fan wrote: “Need to get some southern innovation and bring in the 20 minute red card – that way a decision like this won’t ruin the whole game.”
A second commented: “Red card should be 20 minutes,”
Another said: “A different red card option is 20 minutes off, then a replacement player can come on. Better for the game & offender still suspended etc.”
2024 LAW VARIATIONS: THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
1) RED CARD
In the event foul play is determined to be deliberate and with a high level of danger it will result in a full red card for the offending player who will not return to the field nor be able to be replaced.
All other Red Cards that do not meet the above threshold will be 20 min Red Cards in which the offending player will be removed from the match but will be entitled to be replaced by another player after 20 minutes. The offending team will then be able to replace the red carded player with one of their available replacements.
Rationale: the individual, not the game, punished for red card offences.