Tipoki Banned For 16 Weeks
15/04/2006
Duncan Johnstone
Blues player Rua Tipoki has been suspended for 16 weeks after being found guilty of striking and severely injuring Western Force utility James Hilgendorf with the Sanzar judiciary handing out their heaviest sentence against a New Zealand player.
Tipoki, who scored three tries in the Blues' 39-8 win over the Force on Good Friday, was cited for an incident in a tackle on Hilgendorf early in the match.
He received no mercy from the Sanzar judiciary in a hastily convened meeting in Auckland on Saturday morning.
They noted Tipoki's dubious record of two previous striking charges and the injury to Hilgendorf which forced him from the field with a cut face, fractured eye socket and concussion. There are fears there could be long-term health consequences for the Australian.
It's a sorry end to what was shaping as a marvellous season for Tipoki who has been in outstanding form with his elusive running helping re-ignite the Blues campaign.
They have won three matches in a row with Tipoki central to every victory. But he will now miss their three-match trip to South Africa where they face the Sharks, Cheetahs and Cats on a tour that will shape their semifinal destiny.
The judicial committee comprised Bruce Squire QC (chairman) and rugby administrators Ash Edwards and Pat Samson.
Tipoki was represented by his representative Heath Mills, Blues manager Ant Strachan and Blues assistant coach Joe Schmidt.
Squire said that, after hearing evidence from Tipoki and viewing video footage of the incident, the committee was satisfied that Tipoki had intentionally struck Hilgendorf.
Elbowed
Tipoki, 27, appeared to catch Hilgendorf with an elbow as he joined a tackle on the Western Force flyhalf early in the first half. Higlendorf lay prone on the ground for some time before being helped off the field.
The Force player suffered considerable injury including a fracture of the eye socket, a laceration over the left eyebrow and concussion. The Western Force team doctor indicated the injuries might possibly leave some degree of permanent impairment.
The committee considered that the offending was serious, that there was little to be said in Tipoki's favour by way of mitigation and noted that he had two previous appearances before the judiciary for striking offences.
In the result, because of the nature of the offending, the significance of the injury to Hilgendorf and the absence of mitigating factors, the committee determined that Tipoki should be suspended for a period of 16 weeks.
He was suspended from all rugby up to and including August 7.
The Blues have plenty of cover at second five-eighths where Tipoki has been starring. Luke McAlister and Isa Nacewa are options there.
But his loss will be felt, especially the unnecessary terms of it which add to the injury problems the Blues have suffered all year.
Tipoki's ban means his Super 14 season is over and he won't be available for his North Harbour province until the third round of the new Air New Zealand Cup competition.
He will also miss the New Zealand Maori tour of Canada in June where they will contest the Churchill Cup involving England A, Canada, the United States, Scotland A and Ireland A.
In 2003 Blues forward Troy Flavell was banned for 12 weeks after being found guilty of stomping on the head of Chiefs hooker Greg Smith.
But Tipoki's suspension has taken things to a new - and low - level.
The judiciary has cracked down on striking this year with several players already having served suspensions.
