Kuridrani cops five-week ban
Wallaby centre Tevita Kuridrani will miss Saturday’s Test against Scotland after being handed a five-week suspension on Tuesday.
Kuridrani appeared before judicial officer Lorne Crerar after having been red-carded in Australia’s 32-15 win over Ireland following an alleged dangerous tip tackle on flank Peter O'Mahony, contrary to Law 10.4 (j).
Law 10.4 (j) states 'Lifting a player from the ground and dropping or driving that player into the ground whilst that player's feet are still off the ground such that the player's head and/or upper body come into contact with the ground is dangerous play'.
Crerar, having listened to detailed representations by and on behalf of Kuridrani, and having viewed the footage of the incident and considered all the other evidence, upheld the red card decision and found that the tackle should be categorised in the mid-range of the International Rugby Board's entry point sanctions (eight weeks).
Crerar then added a further week to reflect the need for a deterrent for the type of tackle but allowed mitigation of four weeks to reflect Kuridrani's previous good disciplinary record and other mitigating factors.
The resultant suspension of five weeks, taking account of Kuridrani's future playing schedule, expires on 16 Feb 2014, meaning that he is free to resume playing on February 17, 2014.
Kuridrani has the right of appeal.
