'There was provocation': Wallabies to look for Swain loophole

REACTION: Australia haven’t given up on having firebrand lock Darcy Swain available for their second Test against England in Brisbane despite his headbutt send-off in Perth.

The Wallabies’ celebrations after their drought-breaking 30-28 win were tempered by Swain’s red card as well as a horror injury toll that included flyhalf Quade Cooper (calf), Tom Banks (broken arm) and Allan Alaalatoa (concussion).

Australia’s line-out caller, Swain appears destined to miss the remaining two Tests through suspension after he succumbed to provocation by his England opposite Jonny Hill.

The English lock looked to be in the sights of referee James Doleman after pulling the Brumbies’ forward’s hair as the pair rough-housed in the early exchanges.

But Swain’s reaction saw him marched while Hill only received a yellow card.

happened 15 minutes befor Darcy Swain got red card.

right in front of the ref💢💢#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/sGhiTtaRlY

— オージーゴルフトラベル (@ozgolftravel) July 2, 2022

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said they would review the incident to see if they could mount a case for leniency with Swain set to front a judicial panel.

“I’m not sure if it was a team plan but certainly there was provocation there,” Rennie said post-match.

“Not just in that situation but earlier in the game so we’ll have a decent look at the footage and and work out how we’re going to appeal that.

“If it’s a head-butt it’s clearly a red card but I’m not sure it was his intent to head-butt but we will look at the footage and get clarity around whether we think there’s an opportunity to challenge.”

#REACTION: Eddie Jones has said referee James Doleman ‘evened it up’ after dismissing Darcy Swain during the Wallabies’ 30-28 victory. #England #Australia #Wallabies #AUSvENG https://t.co/UeNzMhnQf8

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) July 3, 2022

While Swain’s immediate future is unclear the Wallabies will definitely be without Banks, who was taken to hospital in Perth, for the remainder of the series.

Alaalatoa is also unlikely to play at Suncorp Stadium due to concussion protocols while Rennie said Cooper’s injury needed further assessment.

“Allan, obviously, we’re going to go through protocols and Quade, we’re not sure of the extent of that but he couldn’t push off the calf so we’ll assess have a clearer idea through the week.”

In some much-needed good news on the injury front rampaging prop Taniela Tupou, who missed the Perth Test due a calf issue, is set to play in Brisbane next Saturday.

“We’re very confident Taniela will be available which is good,” Rennie said.