Lengthy bans for SA tip-tacklers
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Stormers' fullback Robert du Preez and Sharks centre Andre Esterhuizen have both been handed lengthy suspensions after performing dangerous tackles in their game on Saturday.
The Sharks won the match 34-12 in Durban.
Du Preez has been suspended for six weeks – after being shown a yellow card for his dangerous tackle on Sharks' wing Lwazi Mvovo in the 76th minute, while Esterhuizen got four weeks after his tackle on Stormers flank Michael Rhodes in the 10th minute.
Both players were found guilty of contravening 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.
Judicial officer Nigel Hampton deemed that with Du Preez the offence was more serious and thus handing the player a longer suspension.
"I considered the incident had an entry point in the mid-range which starts at an eight-week suspension for lifting tackles," said Hampton.
"I then added two weeks as a deterrent to send a further message that this type of tackle cannot be tolerated in the game due to the risk it poses to players.
"There have been a number of decisions relating to lifting tackles this year with a deterrent increase of this size being added. A further increase in this level of deterrence may be required in the future as the additional two-week increase to sanction does not seem to be having the required effect of getting rid of these tackles.
"Due to mitigating factors such as the fullback’s admission of guilt, clean disciplinary record and inexperience, four weeks were taken off the player’s suspension."
In Esterhuizen's case, Hampton ruled that the centre's actions were on the lower end of the scale.
"I considered the incident had an entry point in the low end range which starts at a four-week suspension for lifting tackles,” said Hampton.
"It appeared from the video that the actions of the Sharks' halfback had some effect on the Stormers' player as he came to ground on his upper body. However, Esterhuizen was clearly the major contributor to this dangerous tackle, which he accepted.
"I then added two weeks as a deterrent to send a further message that this type of tackle cannot be tolerated in the game due to the risk it poses to players."
Esterhuizen's suspension was also reduced by two weeks after mitigating factors such as his disciplinary record was taken into account.
Esterhuizen is suspended up to and including July 19, while Du Preez will be out until August 2.
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