Lachie Swinton near-red card has fans baffled in Australia-South Africa clash

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Lachie Swinton yellow card

Referee Matthew Carley had to be talked out of giving Wallabies forward Lachie Swinton a red card following a head clash against the Springboks at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday evening.

With the Aussies holding a 15-9 lead after a promising start in Brisbane, Swinton tackled Duane Vermeulen from a kick-off deep in South African territory.

Play on was initially called but the TMO was asked to check the contact from Swinton after Vermeulen required on-field treatment.

Replays appeared to show first contact was made with the shoulder, before Swinton and Vermeulen's heads clashed.

Take a look at the incident below.

After several viewings, Carley said he was planning to give Swinton a red card, given the high contact was simultaneous and his right arm was by his side.

TMO Brett Cronan managed to talk Carley down to a yellow card, much to the relief of the home fans, and perhaps the Suncorp Stadium security.

The sides went into the break at 15-12.

Australia had got off to a great start following their win over South Africa on the Gold Coast last weekend when Faf De Klerk was binned for cynical play at the ruck.

Two tries to Len Ikitau gave the home side an advantage, though the boot of Handre Pollard kept the Boks in it at half-time.

More to come.

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