Former Springbok hooker Hanyani Shimange says Luke Morgan’s challenge on Ethan Hooker was the “worst thing” he saw last weekend.
Hooker was forced off after scoring just before half-time of the Sharks’ 21-17 defeat to the Ospreys in Swansea, with the young Bok utility back suffering a dislocated shoulder.
Depending on the severity of the injury, he could be out of action for between three to four months.
Morgan appeared to dive onto Hooker after the try had been scored, but the challenge went unpunished – a decision that has drawn strong criticism, with the Sharks reportedly asking the URC to investigate the incident.
MORE: Sharks call for action over Ethan ‘cheapshot’
Shimange did not hold back when discussing it on The Verdict podcast.
“The Shim bin, the worst thing that you saw this weekend, I know what mine was, the Ethan Hooker’s popped shoulder from the late tackle … That’s a disgrace,” he said.
MORE: Morgan denies ‘dogshot’ on Hooker
Fellow former Springbok Jean de Villiers questioned both the tackle and the lack of action from match officials.
“The injury is the biggest concern, but it was also disappointing that they didn’t restart the game with a penalty because that is the way that the rules are written, and maybe even from that point of view, the game could have changed,” he said.
“But it’s the fact that it’s totally late, and it’s diving down onto the player after the try is scored.
“It’s extremely disappointing for Ethan Hooker and a player that I think can add so much on the international arena.”
The post Shimmy: Late hit on Hooker a disgrace appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
