AUT experts solve All Blacks red card
Expert analysis from two AUT sport scientists was pivotal in a judicial committee decision to dismiss All Black Jordie Barrett's red card, which saw him sent off during the third and final Bledisloe Cup clash with the Wallabies in Perth recently.
AUT biomechanics researchers Professor Patria Hume and Dr Hannah Wyatt were asked to provide independent evidence as part of a SANZAAR (South Africa New Zealand and Australia Rugby) Judicial Committee Hearing on the issue. Despite being in lockdown covid level 4 and not having access to their usual laboratory analysis tools, they were able to analyse video footage and provide the report within three hours of the request to meet the deadline for submission.
They found that:
- Jordie Barrett used a standard technique for a high ball catch by raising his knee to gain jump height.
- He did not 'kick' his leg out, as his knee angle remained close to 90 degrees from the time of take-off to the impact on Wallaby Marika Koroibete's body during landing.
- Jordie's hip flexion was necessary to stop the backwards rotation of his body due to his trunk position. If he had not flexed at the hip he could have landed on his head.
- Due to the laws of motion, his landing position was predetermined at take-off, and he could not have changed it deliberately.
Based on their evidence the Judicial Committee Chair Robert Stelzner SC, ruled that Barrett's indiscretion was unintentional.
Useful Links:
- Read profiles of Patria Hume and Hannah Wyatt
- Study Sport and Recreation at AUT