Force lose McCalman for a fortnight

 

The SANZAR Duty Judicial Officer Nicholas Davidson has accepted a guilty plea from McCalman for contravening Law 10.4 (j) Lifting Tackle, after the loose forward was cited during in his team's game against the Highlanders on Saturday. 

 

McCalman has been suspended from all forms of the game for two weeks up to and including 29 March. 

 

The incident occurred in the 73rd minute of the match at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, when McCalman made the dangerous hit on Highlanders loosehead prop Kane Hames. 

 

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.

 

In his finding, Davidson ruled the following: 

 

"I considered that the potential for harm was significant as the tackled player was lifted high off the ground and tipped forcefully with no attempt to arrest or mitigate his fall.

 

"The tackler has the responsibility not to place the tackled player at such risk. It was only because the tackled player was able to break the fall with his arm, and there was no injury, that a lower end entry point for sanction was warranted under the Rules. 

 

"Based on the acceptance of the indicated sanction, and the player’s excellent disciplinary and playing record, a discount from the lower end entry point of four weeks to a two week suspension was imposed up to and including 29 March 2014.

 

"This includes the next Super Rugby match for the Force [against the Chiefs] and a Perth Premier Grade match that the player was scheduled to play during the Force's bye week," Davidson concluded.