Frans Steyn: dirty or not? Photo: Tony Marshall/Getty Images.
Some might disagree but Leinster and Ireland flyhalf Jonny Sexton is adamant former Springbok Frans Steyn isn’t a dirty player.
Sexton was at the receiving end of a sickening blow from a high tackle that led to the enigmatic utility back, who plays for Jake White at the French club Montpellier, being sent off with a red card.
World Rugby, the sport’s governing body, only recently announced stronger punishment for any illegal tackling.
Yet even though Sexton was left dazed for a few moments, he defended his opposite number following Leinster’s massive 57-3 win.
“I know Frans well and he’s a good guy,” Sexton told Sky Sports afterwards.
“It looked like I was ducking down into it a little bit so it could have been accidental. But with these new laws, I suppose you can’t afford to be reckless.
“It probably was a yellow card before, now it’s a red. And I felt for him because he’s not a dirty player and it was probably accidental.”
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The loss was also a depressing way for White, a former Springbok coach, to end his European campaign with Montpellier.
He’ll be leaving the team at the conclusion of the current season.
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