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Wallabies star slapped with lengthy Super Rugby ban
By Online Editors
Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu has been hit with a six week ban for a dangerous play in his side's tight 31-30 win over the Sunwolves in Tokyo on Saturday.
The Wallabies rake pleaded guilty for dangerous play in the 79th minute of that match, which left opposition loose forward Ed Quirk with an injured knee.
The ban means Latu will not be available for selection for New South Wales until April 27, when his side hosts the Sharks in Sydney.
“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, Hugh Sommerville, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 9.20a,” SANZAAR’s Adam Casselden said.
“With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a top-end entry point of 10 weeks due to the vulnerability of the victim, the gravity of the offence and the extent of the injury caused to the victim.
“However, taking into account mitigating factors including Player’s expressed remorse, the fact his most recent Judicial offence was 3 years ago and the player’s guilty plea at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 6 weeks.
“The player is therefore suspended for 6 weeks, up to and including Saturday 20 April 2019.”
Damian Fitzpatrick will be expected to fill the starting hooker role for the Waratahs in Latu's absence, but the latter's World Cup chances may have taken a significant blow as a result of his growing disciplinary record.
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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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