Referee Hollie Davidson 'taken out' by giant Fiji player amid 'clear ...
-Credit: (Image: X.com/TNT)
Referee Hollie Davidson was inadvertently knocked to the ground by a giant Fijian player in the lead-up with Bundee Aki's try yesterday - but shot straight back up to her feet and managed to see the funny side.
Davidson was trying to get in position during one flowing Irish attack when 6ft 6ins lock Mesake Vocevoce stepped back and knocked the Scottish referee off her feet.
Davidson had to check the score was legitimate after missing the final flourish of Ireland's move due to being prone on the ground. But as the video cut to the 32-year-old official on the big screen, she produced a smile to reassure she was OK after the incident.
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"I've been taken out," viewers on TNT Sport could hear when she hit the deck before Aki raced through for Ireland's fifth try. She then added, "I'm fine. I've missed what's happened, though!
"I have a grounding, so my on-field decision is try, but can we just make sure there is no obstruction prior to the try being scored."
Former England forward Ben Kay quipped: "I think it's Hollie Davidson that provides the obstruction!"
Davidson being knocked to the ground immediately led to the line break and subsequent try, which prompted her to ask the TMO: "Do I create that hole?" But she was adjudged not to have aided in Ireland's cause for Aki's score.
Davidson was praised for allowing a quick-paced game to flow and the vast majority of decisions which were made. Although one incident did stir up controversy.
Just eight minutes into the game, Davidson was forced to brandish a yellow card to Ireland's Sam Prendergast when his shoulder connected with Kitione Salawa's head after the flanker had grubber kicked beyond the fly-half.
Davidson sent Prendergast into the bin with a bunker referral set to take place, with shocked Fiji co-captain Tevita Ikanivere heard exclaiming, 'what?’ on the ref mic following the decision not to upgrade the yellow card on review by the TMO.
When Fiji boss Mick Byrne was asked if he was expecting Prendergast's yellow to be upgraded, he replied: "Aw no, he was wearing a green jersey, so it stayed yellow."
Posting a video of the incident, reporter Jared Wright claimed it to be a "clear red card" - and you can make your minds up for yourselves by watching the video below.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, meanwhile, said of the controversy: "I get why it is (a yellow) but, to me, he turned his back and it’s harsh enough. I’ll have to have a look at it again but that’s the game, isn’t it?
"I thought our discipline was pretty good in general. He (Prendergast) had a few mistakes within his game but he was pulling the strings for a good while, and he was really, really composed."
