Grant NZ
Bill Watson (15)
So you are suggesting that once a player is lifted, they basically should not be challenged, because with the player held at leg level, ANY contact to their upper body in trying to get the ball has a high chance of them tipping. How can a jumper challenge for the ball with no contact at all with the other player? The lifter has no responsibility? I find it staggering that people cannot see that the act of lifting is an inherent part of the risk here, and is absolutely a mitigating factor.
Not to the point that the jumper ends up landing on his back or head, no. Yes, lifting creates an element of danger, so does jumping for the ball. But WR (World Rugby), in their limited wisdom have basically put the onus on the chaser (as it is almost always the chaser entering the area second) to not challenge if it's gonna lead to the other guy landing badly. It's not an ideal situation by any means, but it is what it is and Folau's card isn't in any way out of the ordinary given the way this area has been ruled and the fact he was lifted doesn't materially alter things much.
In terms of mitigation, I guess it's something to consider. But I don't think the ref would take it into account all that much. A citing panel probably would, sure.