Twitter roasts Phil Kearns for Jaguares comments
REACTION: Commentator and former Wallabies hooker Phil Kearns has come under some heavy criticism on Twitter after saying that the Jaguares should be axed from Super Rugby.
The 67-cap dual World Cup winner said that the Argentinian side have an unfair advantage due to the number of internationals in their side. This came after they had beaten the Waratahs, his former club, to put them into second place in the Super Rugby standings.
READ: Aussies spit dummy over Jaguares
The Buenos Aires club have now won five of their past six matches, and look to be the form team in the tournament alongside the reigning champions the Crusaders.
While Kearns is right in pointing out that a high proportion of the squad are internationals, that has not stopped fans laying into him on Twitter, branding him a “moron”.
Many fans have been quick to point out how many other teams in the competition are littered with internationals, namely the Waratahs team that won the title in 2014, and the current Crusaders team. Many have said that these recent statements are just sour grapes by Kearns, who has not been complaining over the past three years when the Jaguares have been losing.
This is what has been said:
Horrible take by Kearns. Good on SANZAAR for helping Argentina develop into a competitive international team worthy of their talent base. If only they continued to support Japan in the same fashion #growthegame
— Matt Griffiths (@mattagriffiths) May 28, 2019
It’s a shame you still give Kearns a voice. His opinions are emotive and analysis of the modern game are beyond basic. His opinions on the Jags doesn’t represent many people at all !!
— Simon andrew (@allrugby87) May 28, 2019
Kearnsey was just filthy they beat the tahs!
— Sean Cuffe (@SeanACuffe) May 28, 2019
I find it best to try not to listen to anything Phil Kearns says.
— nizmow (@nizmow) May 27, 2019
Waratahs filled with Wallabies. Ok let’s get rid of them then. Kearns is an idiot
— Christian Catley (@CatleyChristian) May 27, 2019
If the @JaguaresARG weren’t beating Australian teams, #PhilKearns wouldn’t be spewing sour grapes. Simple as that. Makes for a better competition and its up to the Australians to lift their standards, not limit everyone else’s. No SA or NZ complaints #SuperRugby
— Adam Wakefield (@adamwake86) May 27, 2019
Phil kearns is the biggest moron out there I don’t know why fox sport continue to have him on!!!
— Angkiwi (@Angkiwi3) May 25, 2019
#Jaguares #SuperRugby no one complained when the Argentinians were the whipping boys. I smell a Seb Coe like character here in Phil Kearns masquerading as a fair play advocate. Shameless twat.
— Sean (@SeanNaxhe) May 27, 2019
What is clear is that many fans are welcoming the improved competition from the Jaguares this season. Super Rugby has come under close scrutiny lately for the discernible drop in standard compared to previous years. While this may have been a contributing factor in the Japanese outfit the Sunwolves losing their place in the tournament, the quality that the Jaguares bring should be appreciated.
Furthermore, in terms of the development of the game, it is imperative that the Jaguares remain, particularly after what many perceived as a backwards step in axing the Sunwolves.
Whether Kearns regrets his comments now is unknown, but they did appear to be a reaction to his side’s loss, and the Twittersphere has not let him get away with this lightly.
