Cape Town – He was lucky to escape a straight red card, and now Springbok full-back Willie le Roux has been suspended for a week for his challenge on Irish opposite number Tiernan O’Halloran.
Le Roux went up into the air to challenge an up-and-under in the 11th minute of Saturday’s 19-13 victory over Ireland in Port Elizabeth, but got his timing slightly wrong and took out O’Halloran, who landed on his shoulders and back. He was taken off the field for a concussion test, but even though he returned soon after, he eventually went off early in the second half.
New Zealand referee Glen Jackson, after consulting TMO Rowan Kitt of England, decided that Le Roux should only get a yellow card and not a red, despite the protestations of Ireland captain Rory Best.
The incident was similar to the one where Le Roux was on the other side of the equation in Super Rugby, when he was taken out by Highlanders centre Jason Emery in mid-air and was handed a red card in Dunedin.
On Sunday, Le Roux pleaded guilty for breaching Law 10.4 (i) after being cited by Kenyan commissioner James Absoloms. Judicial officer Terry Willis of Australia accepted Le Roux’s lawyer’s submission that a one-week suspension was “appropriate”, which would come as a major relief as South African players have been dealt harsh punishments in the past in disciplinary hearings.
Le Roux will miss the Sharks’ Super Rugby clash against the Lions at Ellis Park next Saturday, which would actually also serve as a welcome breather after a tough three-Test series against Ireland where he battled with his form.
@IndyCapeSport