IT WAS inevitable that this week would contain flashbacks galore to Sam Warburton dropping Vincent Clerc into the Auckland turf.

Adam Jones limping off probably had as big an influence on Wales being pipped by France in the World Cup semi-final.

Yet THAT tackle and Warburton sitting nobly on the sidelines are the images that stick.

It was the openside’s reaction to the dismissal that has helped cement his place as captain, and one of his coaches is particularly well placed to judge just how impressive he has been.

That lonely walk from the pitch was one trodden by defence coach Shaun Edwards, who was shown a red card when captaining Great Britain against Australia in 1994.

It was a game made famous by Jonathan Davies' stunning try in an 8-4 upset but while the scores were level in the first half Edwards was dismissed for a swinging, clothesline tackle on Wallabies forward Bradley Clyde.

It was a challenge as shocking as the hair cuts and is well worth a watch on youtube.

Edwards said: "It wasn't really a similar situation because my tackle was a lot worse let's be honest! I deserved sending off and Sam didn't.

"The way that he has conducted himself since the incident has been superb and because of that his popularity has gone up, not down. I got lambasted for mine... it possibly helped save a try though!

"But everyone realises that Sam is a genuine guy and that showed when he had the chance to roll around injured after being tipped in the lineout against England.

"That was far more scary than what happened to Vincent Clerc but being the man he is Sam just got up and took the penalty. It's a pity that other players can't be like that."

Unfortunately last weekend's Six Nations action reinforced Edwards' claim with Sergio Parisse writhing around on the floor while Mirco Bergamasco was spoiling for a fight following Leigh Halfpenny's aerial challenge.

Just 24 hours later the ghastly England wing Chris Ashton conceded a penalty after getting riled by a legitimate Aurelien Rougerie hit on Ben Foden.

Get up and get on with things. And while they are at it, cut out the tapping of the heads of opponents and whooping and wildly applauding after winning penalties.