Vodacom Super 14
Sharks duo not guilty
2009-04-23 17:07
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Johannesburg - Both the Sharks players who were cited for incidents in the Super 14 match against Crusaders last Saturday will be able to play in the Sharks' next match against the Highlanders in Durban on May 2.
The hearings into the citings of Keegan Daniel and Jannie du Plessis took place in Durban on Thursday and were heard by Sanzar judicial officer, Adv Dekker Govender.
Both players pleaded not guilty and were represented by attorney Gerrie Swart with Sharks coach John Plumtree also present.
The outcomes were as follows: Keegan Daniel: The flanker was cited for a dangerous tackle on Crusaders centre Tim Bateman in the 14th minute of the first half.
The incident happened in front of assistant referee Craig Joubert who reported the dangerous tackle to the match Referee Mark Lawrence who awarded a penalty against the Sharks.
The defence supplied further footage which revealed another angle to the tackle that showed the initial contact made by Daniel on Bateman to be below the right shoulder. Bateman ducked and as a result, Daniel's arm made contact with his neck.
A penalty was awarded by the match referee and the Judicial Officer decided to take no further action.
Jannie du Plessis: Tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis was cited for striking Crusaders flanker Richie McCaw in the 38th minute of the match.
The match referee Mark Lawrence saw no contact being made by both players but warned both players to keep their discipline and play proceeded.
Both players were lunging at each other according to the judicial officer and, as the incident did not warrant a red card by the match referee, no further action was deemed necessary.