In an exhilarating match on the field of Aviva Stadium, referee Hollie Davidson experienced an unexpected moment when she was “taken out” during a pivotal play in the game between Ireland and Fiji. This incident occurred moments before Ireland celebrated their fifth try, a fundamental moment in their dominating 52-17 victory as part of the Autumn Nations Series. The clash, which showcased Ireland’s strength and tactical prowess, was marked by both skillful plays and unexpected occurrences, making it an unforgettable chapter in the series.
The referee’s unfortunate encounter happened when Mesake Vocevoce, a 6’6″ lock for Fiji, inadvertently stepped back onto Davidson at a breakdown. Despite the collision, Davidson showed remarkable resilience. As the action continued, Bundee Aki, who was later named Player of the Match, notched his first try. However, the celebration was momentarily marred by suspense as the try needed to be confirmed after Aki grounded the ball. The excitement in the stadium escalated as the spectators awaited the referee’s final call.
As the match progressed, Ireland took full control, scoring a total of five tries against Fiji in a commanding performance. Commentator and former England international Ben Kay expressed concern for Davidson in real-time, saying, “Hollie Davidson needs to check it because she has been taken out!” Demonstrating her professionalism, Davidson quickly gathered herself, responding to the situation with a smile and humor. “I faceplanted and didn’t actually see that final pass,” she remarked as she worked to piece together what had transpired after the clash.
Despite the unexpected fall, Davidson maintained her stance, stating, “I have a grounding so my on-field decision is try. We just need to make sure that there is no obstruction prior to the try being scored.” Her poise under pressure reflected her capability as a referee, even after experiencing a challenging moment on the field.
As the play was reviewed, Kay jokingly suggested that Davidson might have unintentionally provided an obstruction for the Fijian defense, adding, “I think it’s Hollie Davidson that provides the obstruction. Really good decoy line from the ref.” This light-hearted comment helped maintain the upbeat commentary tone, especially as Aki’s try was validated, further exhilarating the crowd. Commentator Claire Thomas added her support, saying, “She rode that well, did Hollie,” celebrating both the referee’s quick recovery and the player’s accomplishment.
Aki’s involvement was crucial from the start of the play. Beginning with a driving carry, he exhibited impressive strength and agility. The Irish team showcased their trademark keepsake style of play as they maintained momentum close to the touchline. Thanks to a series of swift passes, Aki found himself in a prime position to score, and the Irish fans erupted in joy as he crossed the line. Thomas encapsulated the moment perfectly, exclaiming, “All the tricks coming out of the Irish box! And there we were talking about Fijian flair. Ireland have razzmatazz of their own!” Her commentary depicted the vibrancy of the game and the impressive skill set displayed by the Irish team.
Looking ahead, Ireland is set to face Australia in their final fixture of the Autumn Nations Series in 2024, which will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and available for streaming on discovery+. This concluding match presents a significant opportunity for Ireland to consolidate their performance in the series and leave a lasting impression as they head into the new year. Viewers also have the chance to immerse themselves in the excitement of the Gallagher Premiership, 2024 Autumn Nations Series, and the Premiership Women’s Rugby on the same platforms.
