Double citing for spiteful Tahs

The Waratahs may pay a heavy price for their 32-22 win over the Crusaders in Sydney on Saturday.

Both lock Will Skelton and hooker Silatolu Latu have been cited for a spear tackle on All Black and Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock.

Referee Marius van der Westhuizen – who clearly had a difference of opinion with Australian TMO Peter Marshall – eventually issued a yellow card against  Latu, but no sanction against Skelton.

However, the citing commissioner agreed with Van der Westhuizen that the actions of the two Waratahs players had reached the red-card threshold.

Latu and Skelton have both been cited under Law 10.4 (j): 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.

The incident happened in the 17th minute of the match.

Following initial consideration by the SANZAR Duty Judicial Officer Nigel Hampton QC, Skelton and Lotu will appear at a SANZAR Judicial Hearing on Tuesday, May 25.