Lote happy with lucky escape
By Peter Jenkins
August 21, 2006
AUSTRALIA wing Lote Tuqiri was slapped last night with a five-match ban for an ugly spear tackle on New Zealand captain Richie McCaw on Saturday - and the Wallabies camp were delighted.
A three-man tribunal in Auckland rubbed Tuqiri out for almost 11 weeks, until November 2, over the 44th-minute controversy in a clash won 34-27 by New Zealand.
But the suspension covers just one Test, against South Africa in Johannesburg on September 9, and brings again into focus the flaws and credibility of the judiciary system.
The other matches an independent panel took into account in handing down its verdict were three New South Wales games in next month's Australian Provincial Championship and the Wallabies' tour opener in Europe against Welsh side Ospreys on November 1.
The judicial committee of chairman Peter Ingwersen of South Africa and New Zealanders Chris Morris and Ash Edwards perhaps failed to realise that Tuqiri had no chance of playing in any of those four encounters.
He was certain to be rested from the Waratahs APC squad in the countdown to the end-of-season tour and, as a member of the Test side, would not have played against the Ospreys with the game falling just three days before the Wallabies face Wales in Cardiff.
But after a hearing that lasted more than three hours, Tuqiri emerged to say: "I'm obviously disappointed. I think it's a bit harsh but I've just got to cop it."
An appeal will not be lodged.
Originally set down for a 10am start, proceedings were delayed for six hours so Tuqiri's legal counsel, Rugby Union Players Association boss Tony Dempsey, could be flown from Sydney.
He entered a not guilty plea on Tuqiri's behalf and argued with slow motion footage that McCaw contributed to the frightening mishap.
"Richie lost possession of the ball at the point of impact and sought to retrieve it," Dempsey said.
"In doing so, he twisted around and transferred his weight away from the tackle ... finding himself in a position that was dangerous."
Tuqiri revealed he wrote a letter to McCaw after the match and sent it to the All Blacks hotel.
"It was unfortunate he landed awkwardly," said Tuqiri.
"I've written to him. I hope he's alright. There was certainly no malice in it. I was going in to wrap up the ball and I thought it was a legal tackle.
"I did pick him up but the aim was to put him on his back.
"By the time I looked up and saw a couple of the replays on the big screen, it didn't look that good.
"I thought I may have been in trouble. I was a bit edgy after the game and crossing my fingers all the way back on the bus. Then I got the news (of the citing) back at the hotel."
The judiciary found Tuqiri guilty of "a dangerous tackle" and, with the option of classifying it as low, mid or high range offence, went for the middle ground.
In their official finding, the panel described the suspension as "effectively a five match ban taking into account his forthcoming playing schedule".
Given the tribunal's concerns, and the fact he was never likely to make an APC appearance, Tuqiri will be relieved he is still eligible for the four Tests in November.
Wallabies coach John Connolly meanwhile returned fire after the All Blacks camp suggested his side was over-vigorous in its targeting of McCaw throughout the Test.
"Highlighting things like that just make no sense," he argued.
"It only drags something out of a great game that's not there.
"It was a physical contest at the breakdown. Nothing more.
"Have a look at our openside flanker Phil Waugh's face. He's got 12 stitches across one eyebrow."
from Foxsports
