Kurt-Lee Arendse will miss the Springboks’ trips to Australia and Argentina in the Rugby Championship after being handed a four-week ban for his red card in the win over the All Blacks at Mbombela on Saturday.
Arendse was red-carded in the 74th minute of the Rugby Championship opener between the Springboks and All Blacks after mistiming his jump and dangerously taking out flyhalf Beauden Barrett in the air, resulting in the New Zealand player landing on his neck.
The 26-year-old wing ended up suffering a concussion in the process, had to be stretchered off the field and was consequently unlikely to be involved in the second Test between South Africa and New Zealand at Ellis Park.
After the match at Mbombela Stadium, Arendse pleaded guilty to contravening Law 9.17: A player must not tackle, charge, pull, push or grasp an opponent whose feet are off the ground.
The Sanzaar Foul Play Review Committee of Michael Heron QC (chairman), Stefan Terblanche and John Langford assessed the case and determined that Arendse will be suspended for four weeks.
The suspension runs up to and including 17 September, which means that Arendse will not only miss Saturday’s rematch with the All Blacks, but also the away games in Australia against the Wallabies and in Argentina against the Pumas.
In his finding, Heron ruled the following: “Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Attie Heyns, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the red card under Law 9.17. “With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee considered the act of foul play was reckless, highly dangerous and had a considerable impact on the victim player. The Committee accepted it was not deliberate and after considering all relevant factors decided the foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 8 weeks.
“However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player’s clean judicial record and his acceptance of guilt at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 4 weeks.”
Arendse will next be available for selection when the Springboks host Argentina at Kings Park in Durban in the final round of the Rugby Championship on 24 September.
Photo: Twitter: @Springboks
