Sharks hooker Du Plessis given four-week ban for kicking opponent
Monday 23 March 2015 14:22, UK
South Africa's Sharks hooker Bismarck du Plessis has been banned for four weeks for kicking an opponent in the head during a Super Rugby match.
Du Plessis pleaded guilty to the offence after being sent off for kicking Chiefs No 8 Michael Leitch after he was tackled and with both players lying on the ground.
The 30-year-old, who has been capped 70 times by South Africa, was one of three players sent off in the first half of Sharks' 12-11 win in Durban on Saturday.
Chiefs' Hika Elliot was dismissed before Du Plessis for an illegal shoulder charge at a ruck - the hooker was given a one-week suspension.
Sharks centre Frans Steyn was cleared of dangerous play after being sent off for a dangerous tip-tackle during his side's victory.
A Super Rugby judicial committee cleared Steyn and ordered the cancellation of his first-half red card.
Allegations of foul play by Chiefs skipper and flanker Liam Messam will be investigated on Tuesday.
