All Blacks captain Sam Cane banned after World Cup final red card
Rugby NewsMonday, 06 November 2023 at 11:03
New Zealand’s Sam Cane appeared (remotely) before an independent Disciplinary Committee on Monday 6 November, having received a red card for an offence contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackling) following a review by the Foul Play Review Official, in New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup 2023 Final match against South Africa in Paris on Saturday, 28 October, 2023
The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Adam Casselden SC (Australia), joined by former international player Becky Essex (England) and former international referee Donal Courtney (Ireland).
The player accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but challenged the Foul Play Review Official’s decision that the act warranted a red card.
Having considered all the available evidence, including the application of World Rugby’s Head Contact Process, the submissions by the player and his representatives, and all available camera angles and technology, the independent committee determined that:
- A reckless act of foul play had occurred in breach of Law 9.13 (dangerous upright tackling);
- Head contact had occurred;
- The degree of danger was high as there was direct and forceful contact with the Player’s shoulder to the head of the ball carrier and;
- When applying World Rugby’s Head Contact Process there was no mitigation available to bring the degree of danger below the red card threshold.
On that basis, and in considering the sanction, the independent committee applied World Rugby’s mandatory minimum mid-range entry point for foul play resulting in head contact (six matches). Taking all considerations into account, including the player’s exemplary disciplinary record, his early acknowledgment of foul play and his clear remorse, the independent Committee determined mitigation of three matches was appropriate, resulting in a final sanction of three matches to be applied as follows:
- Suntory vs Toshiba, 18 November
- Panasonic vs Suntory, 25 November
- Suntory vs D-Rocks, 2 December*
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*The player intends to apply to take part in the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme to substitute the final match of the sanction for a coaching intervention aimed at modifying specific techniques and technical issues that contributed to the foul play subject to successful completion. Further information can be found here
“Goodbye Caterpillar ruck” – Three more rugby law changes set for 2024 Six Nations
After engaging in thoughtful discussions with a few rugby experts, we've made a bold move to propose three potential game-changing alterations that could positively impact the sport without compromising its integrity or inviting any form of misconduct.
#1. Marking outside the 22
In the annals of the game, the fair catch rule, tracing its origins back to the very genesis of written laws in 1846, holds a storied legacy. Once a pivotal element, it has gradually receded into the shadows, its significance occasionally diminished.
In the bygone era, a mark could be asserted from any kick on the field. Gradually, restrictions crept in; certain kicks were exempt, confined only within your own 22 meters. Further modifications emerged, demanding the ball be propelled into your 22 by the opponents, untouched by your own side.
This evolution birthed the infamous box kick, a beloved tactic among scrum-halves, sometimes favoured over passing to the fly-half.
The essence of this change lies in discouraging excessive kicking, a move aimed at reshaping the very fabric of the game.
Freddie Steward of England Rugby challenges for the high ball with with Josh Adams of Wales and Alex Cuthbert of Wales during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#2. Goodbye to the Caterpillar RUCK
The next step on our agenda is to eliminate the problematic "caterpillar ruck" entirely. It has proven to be quite cumbersome and counterproductive.
Our aim is to empower referees to penalize scrum-halves who fail to utilize the ball promptly upon hearing the "Use it" command. Additionally, we propose abolishing the rule that rewards the defense with possession if they manage to hold up a player and establish a maul during the tackle.
#3. Penalty advantage limited
We propose implementing a defined limit for penalty advantage, perhaps ranging from three to five rucks. We strongly dislike the current scenario where the attacking team can maintain possession indefinitely within the 22-meter area under the advantage rule, which disrupts the flow of the game and diminishes its momentum.
Referee, Sara Cox awards a penalty try during the Pre Season Match between Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate on 1 September 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
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