[2015 Super Rugby] Highlanders vs. Crusaders (Round 2) 21/02/2015

[donmcdazzle]

So Hames got 5 weeks and Franks got 2 (and will only miss one game incidently) - how the hell does that make sense?

 

[nickdnz]

So Hames got 5 weeks and Franks got 2 (and will only miss one game incidently) - how the hell does that make sense?

I was wondering this myself. These appear to be the reason:

"Several aggravating factors for the case included the injury to Mr Bird and a deterrent for this type of conduct occurring in the game, resulting in a two week increase to the sanction.

"This was then reduced by two weeks due to Hames' remorse and prompt guilty plea for the incident."

So I suppose it was Bird's injury which caused the ban to be increased - while Franks pleaded his stike was careless but not intentional, and was an attempt to clear the player (which seems like BS).

Owen Franks clean record was taken into account, however Hames received a one match ban last year for a dangerous tackle.

All in all I agree it seems pretty harsh on Hames.

 

[dasNdanger]

Much better game for the Crusaders, but with the Highlanders making a lot of errors you'd think the score difference would be greater.

I had to watch the Franks' incident a couple times to really catch what was going on. Not totally convinced it was unintentional in that it appeared (to me) to be a bit of 'discipline' for being in the wrong place, but I'll give him his 'careless' defense for going a bit over the top with his clearing out.

Oh, and BEN SMITH! for those who miss seeing that sort of thing.



das