Tuqiri earns suspension
ByReuters
Published 20/08/2006 at 10:11 GMT
Australia winger Lote Tuqiri was suspended from rugby until Nov. 2 after being found guilty on Sunday of a dangerous tackle on New Zealand captain Richie McCaw in the Tri-Nations test on Saturday.
RUGBY 2006 Tri-Nations Australia Australia-S.Africa Tuqiri
Image credit: Reuters
Tuqiri appeared before a three-man judicial committee in Auckland after being cited by match commissioner Willem Venter for the 44th-minute incident in the game won 34-27 by New Zealand.
He will miss Australia's final Tri-Nations clash with South Africa on Sept. 9, three games for New South Wales and a warmup match on Australia's end of year tour of Europe.
"I thought it (the suspension) was a bit harsh but I'll cop it," Tuqiri told the New Zealand Press Association in Auckland.
Tuqiri said there had been no malice in his tackle and contended that McCaw's movement had contributed to him being driven head-first into the ground.
"There was no malice in it," said Tuqiri, who has written to McCaw to apologise.
"I was trying to drive him towards the other line. His upper body lost control of where he was at and unfortunately he landed awkwardly.
"I've written him a letter and sent it to his hotel. I hope he's all right and I wished him luck for the two tests in South Africa -- I'm sure they'll get up."
New Zealand play South Africa on Aug. 26 and Sept. 2 before the Wallabies and Springboks end the Tri-Nations a week later.
The All Blacks' victory at Eden Park ensured they won the title before travelling to South Africa.
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement