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Treeby suspended for three weeks after Francis tackle
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Shaun Treeby has been suspended for three weeks after pleading guilty to a dangerous tackle on Piers Francis during Stormers' 30-22 Super Rugby victory over Blues on Friday.
The centre escaped punishment on the field for the challenge in the 47th minute that saw his swinging arm catch Francis on the chin, leaving the Blues number 10 knocked out and concussed.
Despite the leniency from referee Jaco van Heerden and TMO Shaun Veldsman, Treeby was subsequently cited by SANZAAR for what the citing commissioner deemed was at the "red card threshold for foul play".
His case was reviewed by the governing body's foul play committee on Sunday, and could have earned a six-week ban.
However, due to Treeby's early guilty plea and excellent judicial record the panel halved his punishment.
The Stormers will only be without his services for one Super Rugby match - against the Sharks next Saturday - with the South African franchise not playing again until early July.
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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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