He’d obligingly set this up pre-match by saying he’d have more to say after the game, and not surprisingly BT Sports trailed this extensively, encouraging us to stay with their coverage to hear what Lam would say. The following evening Worcester’s DoR, Alan Solomons, had his say, and the incident between Piutau and Kitchener was extensively replayed, giving us the chance to make up our own minds.
In a nutshell, Lam’s view was an emotional one, while Solomons, formerly a partner in a Cape Town law firm, was clinical and based on what he saw as the facts. Lam started by telling us about Piutau the man, and it was yet another of those rugby moments we’ve got used to over the years: a player gets a ban for an act of violence, and colleagues spring to his defense telling us he’s not that kind of player, despite the evidence showing that on at least one occasion that’s exactly what he was!
Lam claimed that Piutau had been ‘attacked’ by two players and that while under common law he would have the right to defend himself, in rugby a player isn’t allowed ‘to strike back’! He then had a whinge about Kitchener not being charged for swearing at the referee – I listened to the interview with nothing short of incredulity!
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England show who's No.1
ENGLAND women’s head coach John Mitchell says his side will take valuable lessons from the 24-12 win over world champions New Zealand as they build towards their WXV1 title defence.
Skivington: We're going to roll dice and go for it
THE Cherry and Whites are the enigmas of the Premiership.
Looking to go one step beyond this time around
NE small step is what it will take for Bath to go one better than last season and secure the Premiership for the first time, but it would be one of the biggest taken by the club in the professional era.
Four-try England make it 17 wins on the spin
ENGLAND women opened the Allianz Stadium era at HQ with a victory over New Zealand to make it 17 wins on the bounce before their WXV title defence.
Time for Borthwick to prove his worth
HONEYMOON periods are not set in stone and in my estimation Steve Borthwick’s ends this summer. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still in good shape.
Barrington ready to power up the Mob
RICHARD Barrington has signed up to the Ampthill “Mob” reassured that he’ll still have a target on his back most weeks.
Skivington keen to build identity
GLOUCESTER won their first trophy for nine years last season and reached the Challenge Cup final, but when George Skivington went on holiday the day after the campaign ended the words in his head were never again.
Roebuck targets England success
WINNING a maiden England Test cap to top the best season of his career will not be enough for Sale winger Tom Roebuck.
Booth: Tough telling players I was leaving
TOBY Booth admits telling his Ospreys players that he would be leaving at the end of the season was one of the hardest things he has had to do in his career.
Stephens' debut try sees off old rivals
DORKING had to dig deep in another tight game between two old rivals, with the lead changing hands twice and result in doubt right up to the final whistle.