1
Timani hit with four-week ban for kicking
By Peter Thompson
Lopeti Timani has been banned for four weeks after kicking Rory Arnold in the head during Rebels' 19-17 Super Rugby win over Brumbies on Saturday.
The back row was shown a yellow card following the incident in the first half of the Melbourne side's first victory of the season.
Timani was cited and accepted a guilty plea, so the beleaguered Rebels will be without the Australia number eight for a month.
Foul Play Review Committee chairman Nigel Hampton QC ruled: "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, Michele Williams, the Foul Play Review Committee amended the citing to Law 10.4(m) Any other acts (not previously referred to) which are contrary to good sportsmanship.
"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play, which involved an intentional, but glancing, strike to an opponent's head by the Player's leg, merited a mid-range entry point of eight weeks.
"However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player's excellent Judicial record, his on-field apology to the opposing player, his remorse and his early guilty plea, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to four weeks.
"The player is therefore suspended for four weeks, up to and including Saturday 13 May 2017."
Timani will miss the clashes with Sharks, Southern Kings, Lions and Reds.
Watch every game of Super Rugby live on rugbypass.com, home of the best online rugby coverage including news, highlights, previews & reviews, live scores, and more!
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
5
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.
Go to comments