It is fair to say Bath’s defensive efforts left a bit to be desired in the Heineken Champions Cup pool match against Leinster at The Rec, with the Irish province running in 10 tries in a 64-7 rout.
So when match referee Andrea Piardi took a direct hit from a visiting player, maybe the home contingent quietly must have felt that at least someone knew how to apply the brakes on the rampant United Rugby Championship side.
The Italian official found himself in the way of Garry Ringrose as the centre charged forward. An accidental nudge from Bath’s Charlie Ewels saw Piardi shoved towards the onrushing Ringrose, resulting in the official being on the wrong end of a solid connection.
The referee called time off and appeared winded and more than a shade stunned.
Ewels checked on him but, after regrouping, the man in charge took the incident in good humour, saying: “HIA for the ref.”
The watching Lawrence Dallaglio said from the BT Sport commentary box: “The ref took one there. He did well. I think he’s a little bit winded.”
Piardi dipped as Ringrose came towards him, leaving Brian O’Driscoll to say: “At least he hinged at the hips.”
The incident was a momentary diversion for home fans as their team were cut by apart by opponents superior in all departments.
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