Jaguares number ten Nicolas Sanchez has been suspended for a week following a dangerous challenge he made during the round three Super Rugby match against the Lions. At the time he was only penalised, much to the dismay of the Lions and commentators.
Test capped flyhalf Sanchez chipped ahead then followed up with a leap into the air, despite Anthony Volmink clearly having caught the ball. His knee or arm made contact with the Lions player's face, giving him a bloodied nose that needed treatment.
Sanchez was only penalised, even though it appeared like a reckless bit of play worthy of a card.
He faced a disciplinary hearing and was charged with contravening Law 10.4(g) Dangerous charging. He was suspended for a period of 1 week.
In his finding, the Judicial Committee Chairman Robert Stelzner SC ruled the following:
"Having considered the citing commissioner’s description of the incident and the available video footage the Committee amended the charge to Law 10.4(g) Dangerous Charging and accept the player’s admission in respect of that contravention.
"Having further considered all the available evidence, including the player’s own account, and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Judicial Committee found the player's actions to have breached the red card threshold."
"With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play to merit a low end entry point of 2 weeks. Taking into account various mitigating factors, including the Player's excellent record and early guilty plea, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to 1 week."
Shortly after the halftime break Sanchez made another challenge that could have been deemed worthy of at least a penalty, while others felt it was simply a clumsy low tackle.
credit: justrugby2017