Never mind the fact that Scotland’s players resisted several attempts at decapitation, and were facing a Samoa team that should have been reduced to 14 for persistent infringing at least once in each half but now comes the real humdinger from World Rugby, with news that an Australian has taken the opportunity to cite two Scotland players for dangerous tackles just in time to remove them from the game against, ooh, Australia:
“The following players have been cited or received Citing Commissioner Warnings after matches on 10 October.
Ross Ford and Jonny Gray (Scotland) – Citing
Ross Ford and Jonny Gray (Scotland) have been cited by independent Citing Commissioner Scott Nowland (Australia) for an alleged act of foul play contrary to Laws 10.4(e) and 10.4(j) during the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool B match between Samoa and Scotland at St James’ Park, Newcastle, on Saturday, 10 October. Law 10.4(e) deals with dangerous tackles and Law 10.4(j) deals with lifting tackles.
The hearing will take place at 11:00 on Tuesday, 13 October, at the offices of RWC 2015 official law firm Clifford Chance in London. The case will be heard by independent Judicial Officer Christopher Quinlan QC (England).
David Pocock (Australia) – Citing Commissioner Warning
David Pocock (Australia) has received a Citing Commissioner Warning from independent Citing Commissioner Steve Hinds (New Zealand) for a breach of Law 10.4(a) during the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool A match between Australia and Wales at Twickenham on Saturday, 10 October.
Under the Rugby World Cup 2015 disciplinary programme, a Citing Commissioner Warning equates to a yellow card for the purposes of sanction. A combination of three yellow cards or Citing Commissioner Warnings accumulated during the tournament will result in a hearing. Pocock is therefore free to play in Australia’s quarter-final against Scotland.”
The tackles were so memorable that no-one remembers them and the TMO didn’t spot them during the game which might point to minor offences. However it doesn’t look great if this is the one:
@AndyNic9 @SDM_Robertson pic.twitter.com/pLw3kSrpxx
— Gavin Chapman (@gavinc42) October 12, 2015
(vid – twitter/@gavinc42)
Both decisions on our boys if upheld would leave Scotland very short of bench depth next Sunday with Kevin Bryce the replacement hooker and no fourth lock in the squad.