SANZAR’s verdict rules Michael Rhodes guilty of dangerous Siale Piutau tackle – Super Rugby news
South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby (SANZAR) has handed over a six weeks ban to the Lions flanker, Michael Rhodes, for his dangerous headlock, which he used against the Highlanders’ winger Siale Piutau. SANZAR made the
announcement on Tuesday, May 31st.
Lions were playing their third of a four match series of their Australasian tour against the Highlanders at Carisbrook, Dunedin on Saturday, May 28. Lions made a strong second half comeback to register their third win in the series
by defeating Highlanders 29 – 26.
The incident occurred during the 59th minute of Saturday’s game in which Rhodes used a dangerous headlock tackle on Piutau to clear him at ruck. Piutau picked himself up from the ground and landed two punches on the
head of Rhodes.
Both players were not penalised by the on-field referee. However, SANZAR’s citing commission cited both players over the incident and asked them to present before the SANZAR’s judicial officer Nick Davidson QC.
Lions flankers Rhodes has been cited for violating the International Rugby Board (IRB) law 10.4 (e) for dangerous tackling of a player without the ball. On the other hand, Highlanders’ winger Piutau has been cited under Law 10.4 (a) and 10.4 (l) that relates
to punching an opponent and retaliation. Additionally, both players are charged with the violation of IRB Law 10.4 (m) that relates to acts contrary to good sportsmanship.
Both players appeared before the SANZAR’s judicial officer on Monday, May 30. SANZAR announced the decision after a delay of a day on Tuesday, May 31, in which Michael Rhodes is found guilty while Siale Piutau declared as innocent
for their actions.
Nick Davidson QC found Rhodes guilty for his dangerous tackle and handed him a mid-range, six weeks suspension. Davidson reiterated the IRB’s zero tolerance policy for such dangerous tackles. Davidson further added that the video evidence clearly shows Rhodes
tackle might have ended in a serious injury to the Piutau’s head and neck.
Meanwhile, Davidson freed the winger Piutau from the alleged offence and termed his action as actions in “exceptional circumstances.” He further added that the Piutau hasn’t denied his charges but elaborated in detail the reasons for his actions and termed
them as “reaction of someone who is seriously endangered.”
Providing additional reason for his actions, Davidson added, “that to impose a sanction (on Piutau) in these circumstances would not reflect the effect on Piutau of the incident and a reaction that was the product of shock rather than retaliatory intent.”
The ban has ended Rhodes super xv season, as he will not participate in Lions last two matches of the season against the Hurricanes and Sharks at Wellington and Johannesburg on June 4 and June 11.
Rhodes may consider himself unlucky because Sharks’ flanker Jean Deysel has been handed over a two weeks ban for the same offence.
Michael Rhodes
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