Aussies seethe over ban
SYDNEY: Australia’s media has reacted with fury to the decision to ban Wallabies winger Reece Hodge for three World Cup matches for a dangerous tackle.
Hodge caught Fijian flanker Peceli Yato in the head with a tackle during the pool D opener on Saturday, but was cleared of an offence by the matchday officials.
He was cited on Sunday and will now miss Australia’s crunch clash with Six Nations champions Wales in two days’ time as well as the matches against Uruguay and Georgia.
‘‘In a stunning decision that is sure to draw furious criticism from former players and fans alike who thought the tackle was accidental, the disciplinary committee found Hodge guilty of ‘an act of foul play’,’’ Sydney’s
Daily Telegraph said.
In a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday, the committee decided Hodge was guilty of redcard offence but halved the usual sixweek punishment to three because of his exemplary record.
Rugby Australia argued he had been bracing for contact in the collision and turned his head away from Yato in a bid to avoid a head clash.
Wayne Smith, writing in The
Australian, said Hodge was unfortunate to be the first player to face a disciplinary hearing at the tournament.
‘‘With World Rugby having issued a statement in July warning that any foul play involving contact with the head or neck would result in at least a midrange sanction, there was always the fear he would be made an example of,’’ he wrote.
Even Clive Woodward, who led England to its World Cup final victory over the Wallabies in 2003, agreed, saying it was a ‘‘totally wrong decision’’. — Reuters