All Blacks lock Brad Thorn has been suspended for one week after being found guilty of an act contrary to good sportsmanship in a tackle on Springboks captain John Smit in the Tri-Nations rugby test in Wellington last night.
A Sanzar judicial hearing in Wellington today imposed the sanction on Thorn, who will miss the next match against South Africa in Dunedin next Saturday.
Thorn appeared before SANZAR judicial officer Dennis Wheelahan QC at the NZRU offices in Wellington, after being cited by Citing Commissioner Tim Harland for the tackle in which he lifted and dropped Smit on his back.
Thorn admitted the lifting and dropping of Smit constituted an act of foul play.
Wheelahan said the conduct was an act contrary to good sportsmanship rather than a dangerous tackle.
At the hearing Wheelahan reviewed and amended the citing complaint, viewed video footage of the incident, heard evidence from Thorn and and All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen and received reports from the match referee and assistant referees.
After taking all matters into account, including Thorn’s previously excellent record as well as the sanction guidelines prescribed in the IRB Regulations, Wheelahan imposed a suspension of one week up to and including July 13.
The All Blacks beat South Africa 19-8 last night after a physical confrontation in wet, cold conditions in Wellington.
Thorn's tackle on Smit came just six minutes into the game.
Smit was seen on camera asking Australian referee Stuart Dickinson "is that not a spear?".
The Tri Nations opener marked the All Blacks 30th consecutive win at home, and maintained 10 years of dominance at home against the Springboks.
-with NZPA
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