Blow for Japan as Leitch cops a ban
PREVIEW: Japan’s World Cup preparations suffered a huge setback as Michael Leitch received a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle.
The former captain received a red card during Japan’s World Cup warm-up match against Samoa on Saturday for a dangerous tackle on Samoa’s So’otala Fa’aso’o.
The incident occurred 10 minutes before the break and proved to be costly for the Japanese who eventually suffered a 22-24 defeat.
The No.8 Leitch appeared before the independent Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday and accepted that he had committed an act of foul play.
He has been handed a three-match ban, which will see him miss Japan’s World Cup warm-up matches.
However, he could have his final game banned removed after attending a World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme.
World Rugby confirmed the suspension via an official statement:
“Japan Np.8, Michael Leitch, appeared before an independent judicial committee on Wednesday, July 26, having received a red card for an offence contrary to Law 9.11 (a player must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others) during the international test match between Japan and Samoa on Saturday, July 22.
“The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Nigel Hampton KC (New Zealand), joined by former player Ofisa Tonu’u (New Zealand) and former international referee Donal Courtney (Ireland).
“The player accepted that foul play occurred and that the offending warranted a red card. The Committee noted that the offence carries a mandatory mid-range sanction (six matches), and having considered the mitigating factors reduced the sanction by the maximum mitigation of 50 per cent. The final sanction of three matches is to be applied as follows:
Japan v Tonga, July 29, 2023
Japan v Fiji, August 5, 2023
Italy v Japan, August 26, 2023*
*The player intends to apply to take part in the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme to substitute the final match of the sanction for a coaching intervention aimed at modifying specific techniques and technical issues that contributed to the foul play.”
Meanwhile, Japan will be in action against Tonga, while Fiji take on Samoa this Saturday.
Pacific Nations Cup, Round Two teams:
Saturday, July 29
Samoa v Fiji
(Apia Park, Samoa – Kick-off: 15.00; 14.00 Fiji time; 00.00 GMT)
Teams:
Samoa: 15 Danny Toala 14 Nigel Ah Wong, 13 Stacey Ili, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Tumua Manu, 10 Christian Leali’ifano, 9 Ereatara Enari, 8 Fritz Lee (captain), 7 Jack Lam, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Taleni Seu, 4 Chris Vui, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Ray Niuia, 1 Jordan Lay
Replacements: 16 Sama Malolo, 17 Titi Lamositele, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Brian Alainu’u’ese, 20 Genesis Mamea-Lemalu 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Alai D’Angelo Leuila, 23 Ed Fidow
Fiji: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Iosefo Masi, 12 Semi Radradra (captain), 11 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Vilive Miramira, 6 Meli Derenalagi, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Samu Tawake, 19 Joseva Tamani, 20 Kitione Kamikamica, 21 Peni Matawalu, 22 Vilimoni Botitu, 23 Josua Tuisova
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant Referees: James Doleman (New Zealand), Matthew Kellahan (Australia)
TMO: TBC
Japan v Tonga
(Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka – Kick-off: 19.30; 23.30 Tonga time, 10.30 GMT)
Teams:
Japan: 15 Ryohei Yamanaka, 14 Jone Naikabula, 13 Dylan Riley, 12 Tomoki Osada, 11 Semisi Masirewa, 10 Seungsin Lee, 9 Naoto Saito, 8 Kazuki Himeno (captain), 7 Ben Gunter, 6 Jack Cornelsen, 5 Uwe Helu, 4 Amato Fakatava, 3 Asaeli Ai Valu, 2 Atsushi Sakate, 1 Keita Inagaki.
Replacements: 16 Shota Horie, 17 Craig Millar, 18 Gu Ji Won; 19 James Moore, 20 Tevita Tatafu, 21 Yutaka Nagare, 22 Rikiya Matsuda, 23 Kotaro Matsushima.
Tonga: 15 Salesi Piutau, 14 Solomone Kata, 13 Afusipa Taumoepeau, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 10 Willimas Havili, 9 Sonatane Takulua (captain), 8 Lopeti Timani, 7 Sione Havili Talitui, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Sitiveni Mafi, 4 Halaleva Fifita, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Samiuela Molo, 1 Siegfrtied Fisi’ihoi.
Replacements: 16 Paula Ngauamo, 17 Feao Fotuaika, 18 David Lolohea, 19 Tanginoa Halaifonua, 20 Solomone Funaki, 21 Manu Paea, 22 Otumaka Mausia, 23 George Moala
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy (Australia) & Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)
