Lauaki outed for tackle

From correspondents in Paris, France
October 02, 2007


NEW Zealand No.8 Sione Lauaki has been banned for two matches after being cited for a dangerous tackle on Romania wing Gabriel Brezonianu during the 85-8 win in Toulouse.

The ban rules the player out of contention for the quarter-finals as well as the semi-finals.

"The judicial officer decided the tackle was reckless, (but) it was not affected with any intention to harm the opposing player and caused no injury,'' said a statement issued by the organisers.

"However, in 2005 the player was suspended for two weeks for a dangerous tackle.

"That factor, combined with the fact that he did not acknowledge culpability, led the judicial officer to conclude the player's personal mitigation was not such as to merit a reduction from a two-week suspension.''

Lauaki is free to play again from October 15.

Agence France-Presse