Australia fly-half Matt Giteau will not be called before a disciplinary committee for his dangerous tackle on Bok scrum-half Fourie du Preez.
Watson surprised by decision
Australia fly-half Matt Giteau will not be called before a disciplinary committee for his dangerous tackle on Bok scrum-half Fourie du Preez at Newlands on Saturday.
Referee Alain Rolland showed yellow cards to Giteau and flanker Richard Brown in the closing stages of the first half in South Africa's 29-17 victory, as well as George Smith in the 79th minute.
Giteau could have been shown a red card after flooring Du Preez while the Springbok scrum-half was waiting for a high ball. Giteau knocked him down with his elbow and seemed to make no attempt at playing the ball.
New Zealand citing officer David Gray took no further action, which surprised SA Rugby's manager of referees Andre Watson.
"It looks bad, but it was Giteau's arm leading the way," Watson told the
Cape Times.
"I don't think it should be upgraded to a red card. Giteau's arm was out and he caught Fourie, who got hurt in the incident.
"But, having said that, I can't understand why Giteau has not been called in for a disciplinary hearing.
"Then the judicial officer can look at the evidence and decide what action to take, if any. If Giteau is found not guilty in a hearing, then it's fine. But he should at least have faced a hearing."
