The Ireland captain had to leave the field on play after 30 minutes.
Peter O’Mahony was in the wars in Ireland’s Test decider against Australia.
The Munster flanker hit the deck hard on three occasions in the opening half hour and, each time, Israel Folau was on the scene.
Both men were going all out to claim the kick-off and a couple of re-starts and O’Mahony came off badly each time. He landed on his back after only five seconds but got straight back up and made a vital turnover just 50 seconds later.
O’Mahony and Folau tangled again after 12 minutes but it was a fair contest. Again, the Irishman landed with a thump.
It was their 28th minute collision that got Folau in hot water.
Reminder: this is a bloody tough game 🤕 #AUSvIRL pic.twitter.com/Y20SN8ACvS
— 10 Sport (@10SportAU) June 23, 2018
Referee Pascal Gauzere looked to be giving just a penalty to Ireland but Johnny Sexton urged him to go to the TMO [Television Match Official] for an extra look. After some hesitation, the French referee went upstairs and the TMO stated:
“He’s in a realistic position at first but then he plays the man in the air and pulls him down on his back. Penalty and yellow card.”
The Wallabies fullback was far from happy with the call, and neither were the home fans.
O’Mahony was carted off and he certainly did not look pleased himself.
O'Mahony looks absolutely gutted pic.twitter.com/jt0smba4DW
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) June 23, 2018
Nor did Irish fans…
#AUSvIRL typical Aussies whinging about folau card. Contest fine, pulling the shirt- no. Any injustice they suffer the whole world has to hear about it, man offside by the post preventing a try….not a word.
— David Digan (@DavidDigan) June 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/EdwardDeThierry/status/1010476582870216704
Three in a row from Folan. Ref won’t even look it. Different rules every week.
— Demented Mole (@dementedmole) June 23, 2018
#AUSvIRL THAT'S ONE OF THE DIRTIEST HITS I'VE EVER SEEN FOLAU ON O'MAHONY! And anyone who can defend it obviously doesn't know Rugby Union! And why wasn't that a yellow for an offside and stopping the try on the Goal line!!!!
— Wanting FSG OUT #FSGOUT ⚔️ (@Lpool_5843) June 23, 2018
Contentious, to say the least.
