Aussie star Hodge may miss clash after citing
AUSTRALIA star Reece Hodge could miss next Sunday’s vital Pool D clash with Wales at the World Cup after being cited for foul play.
The goal-kicking winger was at centre of controversy after putting off Fiji’s back-row star Peceli Yato with an alleged dangerous tackle during the opening match of the group.
Hodge halted the flanker with what appeared to be an illegal no-arms tackle, his right shoulder colliding with the head of Yato at the Sapporo Dome.
It was a try-saving intervention and Hodge went unpunished despite it having been referred to television match official Rowan Kitt (England) by New Zealand referee Ben O’Keefe at the request of Fijian captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu.
Yato, who had scored Fiji’s opening try, had to leave the field for a head injury assessment and wasn’t passed fit to return to combat.
Fiji were 11-7 ahead at the time and a yellow or red card could have had a huge bearing on the outcome of an enthralling encounter.
Making matters worse for Fiji, Hodge scored a try less than 10 minutes later. Australia went on to win 39-21 after being behind at half-time.
Australia coach Michael Cheika claimed in a post-match television interview he hadn’t seen the thorny incident.
Fiji coach John McKee refused to blame the officials for the defeat, but did rue the loss of both Yato and No. 8 Bill Mata, the Edinburgh star, in the first half.
“The referee had a tough job out there. There was a lot going on. We maybe didn’t get the rub of the green, but we have no complaints about the referee,” said McKee.
Heading into the tournament, World Rugby’s referees chief Alain Rolland promised a zero tolerance approach to any contact with the head in the governing body’s bid to limit the number of concussions.
Hodge will appear before an independent judicial committee in Tokyo chaired by New Zealander Nigel Hampton.
Former Scotland coach Frank Hadden and ex-referee Jose Luis Rolandi are its other members. AUSTRALIA: Tries: Hooper, Hodge, Latu (2), Kerevi, Koroibete. Cons: Lealiifano, Toomua (2). Pen: Hodge.
FIJI: Tries: Yato, Nayacalevu. Con: Volavola. Pens: Volavolo (3).