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Three-week ban for Wallaby Cooper
By Peter Thompson
Quade Cooper has been given a three-week ban for a dangerous tackle during Queensland Reds' Super Rugby hammering at Lions on Saturday.
The Australia fly-half was shown a red card early in the second half after catching Rohan Janse van Rensburg when the centre went over for a try at Emirates Airlines Park.
Cooper, who returned to his homeland this season after a spell with Toulon, pleaded guilty and will now miss the matches with Jaguares, Hurricanes and Brumbies.
The SANZAAR Judicial Committee's verdict was: "Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Mark Martin QC, the Judicial Committee accepted the guilty plea of the player under Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent.
"With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks.
"However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player's admission of guilt, his remorse and the fact that the player had a good disciplinary record having not come under notice since 2012, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks.
"The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including Saturday 8 April 2017."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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