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Cape Town - Ireland skills coach Richie Murphy has hit out at the decision to suspend flank CJ Stander for a week following his red card against the Springboks at Newlands on Saturday.
Stander was sent off in the 22nd minute after his attempted charge-down saw him clatter into the head of Springbok flyhalf Pat Lambie.
Lambie was stretchered off the pitch, concussed, and will now miss this Saturday's clash against Ireland in Johannesburg.
Stander, meanwhile, was suspended for one week following Monday's lengthy SANZAAR juducial hearing.
Murphy expressed disappointment on Tuesday at the ruling as well as the fact that Ireland had not yet been given a copy of the report.
"We’re disappointed in the verdict. It’s one of those things … a player has got injured on the pitch and we’re disappointed for that as well," said Murphy.
"It was never the intention of CJ, but I suppose the process he’s gone through over the last three days has just taken forever … it’s been very slow. That’s something that has probably gone against CJ now at this stage."
Murphy was also puzzled that Stander had been suspended for a 'dangerous tackle'.
"It seems strange that that’s the case, but that’s what we’ve been told," he said.
"Until we see the full report it is difficult for us to comment, but we were told that it was a dangerous tackle. It’s a collision, but I don’t think it’s a tackle.
"He’s been a fantastic guy in Irish rugby since he’s come over. He’s been fantastic for Munster and he gives real leadership qualities within the team and his work rate is really high.
"He’ll be missed, but with that it gives opportunities to other guys."
