Eddie Jones stands by Owen Farrell over controversial Australia tackle
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Eddie Jones has defended Owen Farrell’s controversial tackling technique after another lucky escape for his co-captain against Australia, insisting: “I like people being hit hard.”
Owen Farrell has got away with it twice – he won’t a third time | Nick Evans
The Australia head coach, Michael Cheika, was furious his side were not awarded a penalty try for Farrell’s no-arms tackle on Izack Rodda, branding the decision “ludicrous”, but while Jones admitted his fly-half’s approach is risky, he will not encourage him to change his ways.
Farrell used his shoulder to prevent Rodda scoring a try on the stroke of half-time on Saturday. The referee Jaco Peyper opted against awarding a penalty try and did not consult the TMO, offering the bizarre explanation that the Wallabies lock had also dropped his shoulder.