The Sharks have been dealt a blow, with key lock forward Etienne Oosthuizen to miss the next two Super Rugby games due to suspension. SANZAAR have confirmed a two-week ban after Etienne pleaded guilty to a striking offence during Friday’s opener in Brisbane.
The player was cited immediately after the match for a contravention of Law 10.4(a) that occurred in the ninth minute. The initial report indicated that the citing commissioner felt the incident worthy of a red card. Oosthuizen’s early guilty plea, along with a previously good record, saw a sanction of four weeks reduced to two.
The ban means he will not be available to play against either the Brumbies this Saturday, or the Waratahs in Druban next Friday night. The suspension opens the door for Jean Droste to make a Super Rugby debut in Canberra, with Steaphan Lewies likely to move into the starting line up to partner Ruan Botha.
Tweet
O just perfect. Did anyone see this incident?
At least one of the yellow cards should have been red, as per the new laws, but no one breathes a word about that…
@T-Shark (Comment 1) : the first one was red in my book. Clear and intentional contact with the neck.
@robdylan (Comment 2) : What irked me the most was they Carmichael reacted knowing fully about the law changes, bloody childish.
Got to at least say the addition of the “on field call” is adding to a more back to roots feel and less inconclusive tmo calls
@Kabouter (Comment 3) : Yes, Hunt was acting childishly about it, particularly since coming from rugby league. He’s all big and bad like Leroy Brown until someone almost removes his head. Lewie’s is rusty, hope he finds his groove sharpish because he’s good.
@SeanJeff (Comment 4) : Brumbies played with spirit against the Saders but we should really take it. I am looking for improved discipline, backline nuances and forward grunt.
Last week was really rusty so lets hope it is gone now. 6 point from the tour will do
Very lucky only two weeks im sure those sheep shaggers were pushing for a eight week ban
@benji (Comment 6) : No it takes him nicely out of the two Aussie games.They have no problem with him coming back against South African opposition
@The hound (Comment 7) : also true