Whilst they haven't seen eye-to-eye in the build-up, the Wallabies and All Blacks have found some common ground as they support 20-minute red cards after Jordie Barrett was sent off in the third Test.
Barrett was issued a red card in the 27th minute of the All Blacks 38-21 victory at Optus Stadium after collecting Marika Koroibete in the head with his boot whilst taking a high ball.
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Under new laws trialled for The Rugby Championship, Ian Foster's men were able to replace Barrett after 20 minutes with Damian McKenzie, who almost made an instant impact if not for an errand drop in the build-up to what looked like an incredible try.
Foster believes that whilst he disagreed with the ruling, the new 20-minute law regarding red cards ensured the effects weren't as devastating despite outscoring the Wallabies during the period.
"It's why all the SANZAAR countries are pretty united in wanting to carry on this global trial," Foster said after the match.
"We were a keen supporter of that even before the games. Today's event probably justifies it."
Barrett is now facing a potential suspension, but Foster indicated that the All Blacks would fight the charge.
"I was pretty surprised to be honest (that he got the red card)," Foster said.
"We'll go and have a good look at it, but certainly we'll be putting together a case for that one.
"He just lost balance and you could see he tilted and you could see what happened (next).
"I feel for the refs in situations like this, because technically they saw things and they make their decisions. I get all that. Have we got a technique problem – no."
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Earlier in the year, the Wallabies and coach Dave Rennie faced a similar scenario without the new law as Koroibete was the one on the wrong side of the referee for a high shot during their third Test victory over France.
Koroibete was sent off after just five minutes, leaving the Wallabies stranded with 14 men despite World Rugby reversing the red card after the contest.
With the incident fresh in his mind, Rennie backed the new law along with the issuing of the red card.
“I think it’s good that we’ve got a 20 minute red card at the moment because it’s certainly not malicious,” Rennie added. “But based on law, when you field a ball and you kick your foot out and kick someone in the head, there’s got to be repercussions for that.
“I think that decision is probably accurate and the fact it’s only 20 minutes is a good thing.”
