Springbok Kolisi’s in the clear
SOUTH African skipper Siya Kolisi has escaped sanction for what appeared to be a head-butt in their win over Scotland on the weekend.
It means the openside flanker is free to lead the Springboks against Wales in the final match of the autumn international series at the Principality Stadium this Saturday.
Kolisi had looked to have landed himself in hot water with World Rugby after using the back of his head to strike Scottish centre Pete Horne in the 30th minute of their clash at Murrayfield, which the tourists won 26-20.
The back-rower was not punished for the incident which referee Romain Poite, his assistant and the television match official all missed, but the citing commissioner was expected to pick it up.
“I really haven’t seen it,” said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus. “I can’t comment on something I didn’t see myself, but I know the person and the man he is, so it would surprise me.
“I’m pretty sure the citing commissioner will do his job there. Whatever it is - if it’s serious and Siya’s in the wrong, then what comes our way we have to accept. But I haven’t seen the incident so I can’t really comment.”
According to World Rugby’s policy, the citing commissioner has 24 hours after the final whistle in which to flag up any incidents to the governing body and that deadline expired on Sunday evening.
It means Kolisi will be free to pack down in the back-row for the Springboks in Cardiff
It’s unsure if South Africa will be calling on the services of inform scrum-half Faf de Klerk.
He was released by Sale Sharks to play in the Rugby Championship on condition he would return in November to the English club.
De Klerk missed the opening game with England but was back playing for South Africa in the win out in France.
He was on Sharks duty last weekend in their Premiership defeat to Saracens, and it remains uncertain whether he will be available for the ‘Boks as Sale have a home clash with Northampton Saints that day.