Rugby Update: Xavier Rush banned for a week.
The 33-year old Xavier Joseph Rush is handed a two-week ban, which was then converted to one-week. Hearing was in ordinance to the red card that was issued to Rush in the 55th minute of second half. The card was handed over by referee Jerome Graces
of France. The hearing was held on Wednesday where he appeared with Cardiff Blues Chief Executive Robert Norster. Rush was accused for a risky tackle over the line of shoulders.
Xavier Rush a New Zealand Rugby Union footballer is a previous All Black member. In 1988, Rush made his debut just at the age of 21 in a test against Wallabies. He is currently playing professionally for Magners League side Cardiff Blues. He plays at number
eight in the team and has been a captain too. Regardless of his flourishing domestic Rugby career, Rush never excelled at international level. Rush has only eight test caps for All Blacks to his name.
The judicial committee compromised of ERC Disciplinary Officer Roger O’Connor and Christopher Quinlan the independent Judicial Officer. Soon after hearing from the player and his representative, the match officials reviewed all the angles and the referee’s
report, they concluded that the attempt was at the low entry point of two weeks.
In the officials report it was clear that tackle was inattentive, with no intention by Rush to make contact as towering as he did. Officials also agreed that there was no intention of causing damage to the opposing player, as Mr Lawes appeared to be on one
knee at the time of contact. Christopher Quinlan measured that there were no maddening factors behind this act and he accepted that Mr. Xavier Rush pleaded guilty. The officials kept in mind that Rush has an excellent record, he showed regret and he presented
his case well at the hearing. Alleviation resulted in the reduction of one week from two weeks.
Xavier Rush is off the field now till 27th December and will be playing from 28th December onwards. Cardiff Blues’ director David Young feels that his squad can deal with Rush’s short-term absence. The director considers they can play
with Tom Brown, Andries Pretorius or Maama Molitika at number eight but obviously, he wants to go into the traditional rivals with his best players. He added,
“Its good news that he will be available for selection for our match against the Ospreys on New Year's Eve.”
The Cardiff officials believe in their player and stated that Rush is not a grubby player and sending-off was quite inconsiderate.
The contest between both the sides during the match was a tough call. Northampton Saints being one of the favourites this season were hard to beat. Cardiff Blues displayed a good show and lost by 23-19. Till the last stages match was close, and the penalty
acquired by Lawes acted as a catalyst to the Saint’s win. The match was concluded with both sides playing in semi-darkness after a set of floodlights failed.
Jimmy Mallinder, Northampton’s Rugby Director acknowledged the density of the match. He stated, "It wasn't our very best performance but we won a hard-fought game.” He believes though that Saints could have done better and Cardiff Blues are a first-class
team. The next match between both sides will be played at Cardiff’s home ground. “Next week will be a real test of where we are as a team.”
said Mallinder. It’s a real challenge for the Saints to win at the Cardiff’s home ground, and if they succeed, Northampton will indisputably be the most dangerous side of the tournament.
Cardiff Blue’s coach David Young while talking to media said, “The line-out has got to be put right. We have to make sure we are accurate.”
The coach expressed that Northampton conquered the second half as they were playing the game in the right areas. But he too believes that next week’s match will be more technically sound and Northampton will have very stumpy chances of defeating the Blues
at home.
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