New Zealand lock Scott Barrett has been suspended for three weeks following his dismissal in Saturday’s defeat to Australia.
The 25-year-old was handed his marching orders for shoulder charging Wallaby skipper Michael Hooper as the All Blacks went down 47-28 in Perth.
Barrett pleaded guilty to the offence, under Law 9.16 – a player must not charge or knock down an opponent without attempting to grasp the player, and was initially facing six weeks out.
Such punishment could have put his World Cup hopes in jeopardy, with the Kiwis beginning their defence against South Africa on September 21 against South Arica in Yokohama.
However, the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee reduced the ban to three weeks and while he will miss Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland, he will be free to play again on September 1.
Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Adam Casselden SC’s statement read: “With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play which results in contact with the head and/or neck must start at a mid-range level.
“However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player’s exemplary judicial record, his expressed remorse and the fact the Player has pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks.”
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