Sharks’ plans in limbo as Sanzar appeals Steyn ruling
THE SHARKS have received another significant disruption in the middle of an already difficult week after Sanzar yesterday announced their decision to appeal the original finding that Francois Steyn was not guilty of a tip tackle in last Saturday’s match against the Chiefs.
It’s a bizarre about-turn as Sanzar is effectively appealing its own decision, and seemingly making a mockery of the initial ruling and procedure, handed down by judicial officer Jannie Lubbe.
Although Steyn received a red card for the incident, Lubbe reviewed the video evidence, as well as submissions made by the player and his legal representative Gerrie Swart, and ruled that he should be cleared to face the Western Force this Saturday.
In particular, Lubbe noted that the involvement of other teammates in the tackle added “additional and external forces to the dynamic tackle situation”, which served as a considerable mitigating factor.
However, Sanzar has belatedly taken exception to the decision, and the appeal will now be heard tomorrow morning.
It’s left the Sharks in an extremely difficult position as they have been preparing all week with Steyn involved in training, and this Saturday he was expected to fulfil the all-important flyhalf position in the absence of Pat Lambie.
If one takes into account the opinion of former veteran referee Jonathan Kaplan, Steyn could well be looking at a belated suspension.
“It is the responsibility of the tackler who lifts an opponent off the ground to ensure that he gets down safely,” he wrote on his website, www.ratetheref.co.za.
“The fact that someone else joined in the tackle is unfortunate, and was used in mitigation of sentence, but doesn’t excuse what happened.”
So it would be a massive blow if Steyn is ruled out on the eve of the game, especially considering the Sharks are already without the suspended Bismarck du Plessis, as well as Lambie, Marcell Coetzee and Cobus Reinach, who have been rested.
However, the player absentees have offered a real opportunity for someone such as hooker Kyle Cooper, who has loyally and patiently served his time at the Sharks, learning from the likes of Du Plessis.
Considering he can now look forward to an extended run in the No 2 jersey, there is no doubt he will realise that this is a big opportunity to make his mark in Super Rugby.
In the absence of Coetzee, the loosetrio will need to be re-shuffled, while Conrad Hoffmann will come in for Reinach at scrumhalf.
And if Steyn is ruled out, Fred Zeilinga is then likely to take over at flyhalf, with Andre Esterhuizen starting at inside centre.