Rugby World Cup 2019: Cheika refuses to discuss Wallabies’ high tackling

Michael Cheika was unwilling to discuss high tackling by Australia after their 45-10 victory over Uruguay in Oita on Saturday.

A routine Pool D success for the Wallabies came despite first-half yellow cards for Adam Coleman and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, while Michael Hooper and Kurtley Beale were also penalised by referee Mathieu Raynal.

Tackling issues have been prevalent during Australia’s campaign, with Reece Hodge handed a three-game ban for his challenge on Fiji’s Peceli Yato in their opening match.

The Wallabies wing stated he had “no knowledge” of the new tackling framework after he was cited for the hit, which World Rugby said “was of some general concern” when dishing out the suspension.

Cheika was angered by the decision and that criticism and was unwilling to tread similar ground after Australia’s meeting with Uruguay led to questions on tackling resurfacing.

“I think maybe we can talk about something else to be honest,” said Cheika, who discussed the fact Australia conceded 12 penalties to Uruguay’s five.

“We’re just giving away too many penalties, full stop, no matter what it’s for, you can’t be winning the game by 45 and still lose the penalty count.

“One was for kicking the ball out of a ruck. That’s a penalty and we know that. We have to tidy that up.

“But I’m not going to talk about tackles. I’m going to steer clear of that.”

HIGHLIGHTS: @wallabies v @rugbyuruguay in Pool D at Rugby World Cup 2019 #AUSvURU #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/JAVAZOdJ32

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 5, 2019

Dane Haylett-Petty and Tevita Kuridrani touched down either side of a try from 19-year-old debutant Jordan Petaia in the first half.

Haylett-Petty and Kuridrani went over again in the second period, with Will Genia and James Slipper also getting on the board in a bonus-point triumph.

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