Robbie Robinson’s off-field incident effects Highlanders Super XV
Otago Highlanders called Robbie Robinson during their game with Crusaders in place of All Black fly half Tony Brown who managed to plot two out of five penalties before being substituted by him.
Highlanders conceded the match 44 – 13 and put up a poor show in front of the home crowd. The reaction to such heavy defeats particularly after doing so well in the early matches that includes a good performance against the conference leaders is hard for
the fans.
One such reaction has resulted the Robbie Robinsons to be peppered and jailed after a heavily drunk Robinson was provoked by another man that resulted into a scuffle when he was on his back to home. The scuffle ended with the police pepper spraying in the
Robinsons eyes. The incident is as shocking as the defeat as the Robinsons is considered to be very reasonable and moderate individual.
Former rugby Chief Executive Clarke was quick to comment on the incident and termed it as very unlike the actual Robinson who he termed as non-drinker and fighter and one who prohibits himself from entering a fight.
In addition to the heavy defeat suffered last week Robinson also went to South Africa to attend the funeral of his team mate Matt Saunder’s father. Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has denounced the incident and termed it as inappropriate behaviour and unprofessional.
The incident is likely to cause the disciplinary hearing from the highlanders and Robinsons might possibly face some action from the New Zealand Rugby Union as the incident might cause some serious employment issues. Although the police have not charged
any of the men in the scuffle still the Otago Highlanders will be discussing the incident with the young 21 year old.
Highlanders will be enjoying a bye for Week 6, however it is the possibility that the Robinson might be penalized and would not be made part of the starting XV. This would be a crucial blow for Highlanders who’ll be losing Robinson who so far has scored
24 points and performed in the close contests.
Although he is yet to score a try still his contributions so far include three conversions and six penalties.
His absence however won’t hurt the Highlanders as much as Patrick Lambie’s absence for Sharks.
Highlanders are scoring in their matches mainly through Sopoaga (17), Poki (15), Brown (15) and Thomson (10). Notable among above are Poki and Thomson with respect of scoring a total of 5 tries with Poki scoring thrice and Thomson completing tries twice
in the season so far.
Highlanders so far has won their 1st three games consecutively with them defeating Hurricanes, Chiefs and Bulls. Their most comprehensive win came against the Chiefs in which they came home by a difference of 10 points. Subsequent to the wins, they have
lost the last two games they have played against the conference leaders Stormers and Blues in which they have also conceded the bonus point.
Being use as a substitute, Robinson’s has risen to the occasion each time he was called for. While his likely absence in the upcoming match against Brumbies won’t be affecting the initial playing XI however Highlanders will be without the services of the
quality substitute if Tony Brown again falters.
This would eventually mean that the Highlanders will not be playing with their best XV that would surely dent their chances to improve their overall standings.
Tags: