All Black's Controversial Sending Off Against Australia Sparks Debate Among Rugby Fans

Jordie Barrett was sent for an early shower during the All Blacks' 38-21 victory over the Wallabies on the weekend.

The New Zealand fullback was shown a straight red card midway through the first half for kicking Australian star Marika Koroibete in the face while attempting to catch the ball.

While you could argue the case that it was a complete accident, the referee wasn't having a bar of it and Barrett was immediately sent off as his appeals fell on deaf ears.

After a lofted kick from Tom Banks, All Blacks fullback Barrett was getting into position and bracing himself to take the catch and launch an attack of his own.

As the ball left Banks' foot, Koroibete gave chase and made up a huge amount of ground to put pressure on Barrett.

But when Barrett leapt high into the air, he appeared to get his timings all wrong and lifted his lead foot way too high while anticipating some sort of contact.

With Koroibete holding off to make the tackle, the studs on Barrett's right boot caught the Wallabies winger on the face pretty heavily.

Koroibete immediately went down clutching his face.

Medical staff rushed onto the pitch to give him treatment, while the referee reviewed the incident.

After consulting the television match official (TMO), wasted no time in drawing for his red card and gave Barrett his marching orders.

Barrett, clearly confused by the decision, stood with his hands on his hips before eventually making his way from the field.

Australia were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage as New Zealand went on to secure a 38-21 win at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Even with 14 men for 20 minutes, they managed to score a try just before half-time to extend their lead.

The victory was impressive for the All Blacks, although much of the post-match chat was about the Barrett-Koroibete incident.

The kick to the face seemed to spark debate among rugby fans with some agreeing with the red card while others suggesting it was completely accidental and Barrett should have been given the benefit of the doubt.