In Genoa Springbok loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit has been suspended for three weeks for his clean-out misdemeanour in last week's Test against France.The loose forward was sent off for dangerous and reckless play in the 11th minute by English referee Wayne Barnes.Du Toit's head made contact with that of France's centre Jonathan Danty, with the French midfielder forced to leave the field permanently.Du Toit appeared before an independent judicial committee via video link on Wednesday morning.
He was initially sanctioned under Law 9.12: a player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone.The independent disciplinary committee panel consisted of Australia's Stephen Hardy (chair), former international coach Frank Hadden (Scotland), and former international player John Langford (Australia).After considering all available evidence, including multiple broadcast angles and submissions from the player and his representative, the judicial committee considered and accepted submissions from Du Toit's representative that the charge be amended to Law 9.11: players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others including leading with the elbow or forearm.Du Toit denied that he had committed an act of foul play worthy of a red card.
However, having reviewed all available evidence and the submissions made by Du Toit and his representative prior to and during the hearing, the judicial committee determined that he had committed an act of foul play worthy of a red card, having regard to the process set out within World Rugby's Head Contact Process.The disciplinary committee found Du Toit's offending to be "reckless" although not intentional or deliberate.Their statement read: "Although there were some external factors