Share

Baker banned for six weeks

Hamilton - Highlanders winger Kurt Baker has been slapped with a six-week suspension for a dangerous tackle on Melbourne Rebels' scrumhalf Nick Stirzaker during a Super Rugby match on Friday.

The 25-year-old Baker, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist with New Zealand's sevens team, drove Stirzaker away from a ruck early in the Highlanders' 33-30 win in Dunedin before lifting him and dumping him quickly into the ground.

"I considered that the potential for harm was significant as the tackled player was lifted high off the ground and tipped quickly so that ... his neck made contact with the ground," SANZAR's judicial officer said in his ruling on Monday.

"The tackler has the responsibility not to place the tackled player at such risk and in this case, the player was placed in a very vulnerable position and was fortunate to not be injured."

Governing body SANZAR has in recent years doled out heavy punishments to try to rid Super Rugby of lifting tackles, also known as tip or spear tackles, that often have players land forcefully on their heads.

The dangers of the tackle were starkly illustrated in Australian rugby league two weeks ago when Newcastle Knights forward Alex McKinnon was left with a broken neck after being lifted and dumped in a three-man tackle.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE