“A game changer” Ireland coach filthy with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves sin-bin

Ireland coach Ged Corcoran said he was disappointed to see Jared Waerea-Hargreaves only receive a yellow card for his high tackle in their defeat to New Zealand.

The Kiwi prop, fresh from completing a three-match ban carried over from the NRL, was sin-binned in the first half for a high tackle on Ireland debutant Dan Norman, who then failed a head injury assessment.

Corcoran, who was without both his first choice props Liam Byrne and Jaimin Jolliffe due to suspension, feels stronger action should’ve been taken against the Sydney Roosters forward.

“I’m filthy with it,” Corcoran said after their 48-10 defeat. “I’ve got to be careful with what I say and how I say it but that’s a game changer.

“I’ll hold back on the emotion of that but it’s just a game changer.

“It was a bit of a dog shot, I’m not going to cop that. I’ll back the boys but that is a game changer for me. I lost two players this week and the boys lost two of their team-mates due to a decision. I’d love to see them go to town on that one after what we got served up this week.

“Depending on what charge they send through and if it’s the correct one – and I stress the correct charge – it will be interesting to see if he participates in the rest of the tournament.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand coach Michael Maguire defended his player. He is confident the veteran prop will be free to play in next weekend’s quarter-finals.

“He hit him on the shoulder and it rolled up a bit,” Maguire said.

“We’ll have to wait and see but I think he’ll be alright. We’ll go through a process.”

Ged Corcoran proud of loud Irish faithful

There were more than 14,000 in attendance at Headingley, with a large following for the Wolfhounds – and a proud Corcoran thanked the fans for their efforts.

“It was great, it was fabulous, what an occasion,” he said.

“The Irish really turned up in numbers and to feel their energy and their noise. I think that energy spurred the boys on and picked them up at different times. I just want to thank the fans for rocking up and supporting the boys.

“It does make a difference for these boys and us as staff. It was so nice to see on a big stage that we got a big backing against a great time like New Zealand.”

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