Rugby: Kiwi coaches agree - bin the red card in favour of a report system

French fullback Benjamin Fall is shown a red card by referee Angus Gardner after colliding with Beauden Barrett. Photo / Photosport

A red card shown to Sunwolves wing Semisi Masirewa has re-opened the debate about sanctions, with opposing Kiwi coaches Daryl Gibson and Tony Brown agreeing a report system would benefit the game.

Masirewa will face a Super Rugby judiciary tonight after being sent off just before halftime for a lifting tackle on Waratahs first-five Bernard Foley, who hit the ground head first.

The Sunwolves, last in the competition, had been competitive before then – and in fact had led the Waratahs 18-12 in Sydney moments earlier - but after Masirewa left the match turned into a procession for the home side and the Waratahs won 77-25.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen last month brought up the possibility of players going on report rather than being sent off after France fullback Benjamin Fall was red carded in Wellington for his mid-air challenge against Beauden Barrett, a sanction that a judicial panel later rescinded.

And Gibson and Brown both agreed a report system could be beneficial.

"I don't think there's any intent in there. It was just unfortunate," Sunwolves coach Brown said.

"I think it was Steve Hansen said that just put players on report like they do in [rugby] league and play on."

Waratahs coach Gibson said: "I certainly support that, the effect that it [the red card] has on the game it takes away the contest.

"In that instance [with Masirewa] the referee has no option. He's following to the letter of the law and that's what he's required to do. Having an intermediary step that's not quite a red card, give him some options - sensible."

The Waratahs' big victory took them to second on the table behind the Crusaders.