King hits

[Anonymous]

Simon Shaw lays one on Mealamu's chin, for no apparent reason, when Mealamu isn't even watching. Mealamu goes down for the count. Incident not even put on report.

Brendan Cannon busts Mealamu's face with a big right hand a few seconds after minor pushing and shoving. No way did Mealamu expect it or see it coming. Cannon gets a yellow card.

Danny Williams lays a huge right hand off the ball on Mark O'Neill, under the provocation of a clearly illegal tackle. O'Neill didn't see it coming and suffers serious injuries. Williams, by all accounts, could be gone for a huge suspension.

3 king hits, off the ball, on an opponent not expecting them. At least Williams was provoked. I'm not condoning what Williams did, because it was a shocking blow with terrible consequences. But the only real difference is that Williams shot was more powerful, and I question whether that is even a material difference. So what am I do ascertain from this? That rugby union fans enjoy seeing players getting king hit? Buck Shelford's legend seemed to be enhanced when he king hit that Welsh guy.

 

[Auckland4ever]

I didnt see the Shaw incident, but I did see the Cannon one & if there was any difference, Williams king hit was premeditated, Cannons was reactive. Neither should have behaved the way they did, but to me sizing up a guy after the provocation has finished(assuming the intent to tackle high by O'Neill was even there in the first place), is worse than directly overreacting to a palm in the face.

 

[Polynesian Warrior]

Mate I would have preferred to be hit by Cannon because he stood there and gave a slow bunch .
And the fact that I can retaliate and have a fair fight with him Cannon even if it lead to an all in brawl .
And that noboby got carry out or strecht off and still in good health .

But if I was running and not looking and somebody kinghit me with all his might and power and knock me cold then thats just cowardly .

Both incidents should not be repeated on any rugby field by players . But if I can compare both then I'd said that one almost had a player seriously injure or even death and the other just players beign stupid .