Staniforth Cited in Highlanders Game

[Darren]

Scott Staniforth has been cited for an alleged dangerous tackle in Saturday's match against the Highlanders at Carisbrook in Dunedin.

Staniforth was cited by citing commissioner Mike O'Leary for the incident in the second half of the match in which he collided shoulder-first with Highlanders flanker Josh Blackie off the ball.

He will appear before a Sanzar judicial committee at the New Zealand Rugby Union offices in Wellington on Monday afternoon.

[Burgs]

Hardly suprising and, while not wanting to pre-empt the Judiciary, he will be a big loss in our chances against the Blues.
A massive brain explosion by a normally fair player and, while totally no excuse, possibly a sign of the frustration being felt by the boys not getting reward for their efforts.
Elsewhere it was asked why it was not acted on by the Match Officials, this was purely because both the Ref and Touch Judges missed the incident as they were following the flight of the ball.
The discussion was heard by the Commentators in the Officals' mics.
If any of them had seen it he would have been in the bin for sure but they do not have the benefit of replays for general play. When you are close to the play often such contact is out of your sight line.

[.X.]

http://westernforce.com.au/wa/wa.rugby/page/43734

Scott Staniforth Suspended for One Week
Scott Staniforth will miss Friday's clash with the Blues

Monday, April 10, 2006
RugbyWA

Emirates Western Force inside centre Scott Staniforth has been suspended for one week by a SANZAR Judicial Committee after a tackle on a Highlanders player in the Tooheys New Super 14 match in Dunedin on Saturday.

Staniforth faced the three-person Committee in Wellington late today after being cited by Match Citing Commissioner Mike O'Leary for a dangerous tackle on Highlanders loose forward Josh Blackie in the 21st minute of the match.

Committee Chairman Bruce Squire QC said the contact made by Staniforth carried a risk of serious injury to Blackie. He also said there was a degree of recklessness.

But the Committee found there were a number of mitigating factors to Staniforth's credit.

In eight years of professional rugby, Staniforth had a clean record, he had apologised to Blackie and there were aspects of the incident itself which persuaded the Committee that it was not in the worst category of offending of this kind.

"As a result, the Committee determined that the incident fell within the least serious entry band prescribed in IRB Regulation 17 Schedule of Recommended Sanctions."

Staniforth said he was disappointed by the decision but accepted the Committee's verdict and would now focus on the match against the Crusaders in Perth on Friday week.

Emirates Western Force head coach John Mitchell said Staniforth had been one of the team's best performers and would be missed.

"We're obviously disappointed - Scott is one of the competition's leading try scorers and a senior member of our team. But we accept the Committee's decision and we move on," he said.

Mitchell said Haig Sare would now come into the 22 for this Friday's game against the Blues at North Harbour, in Auckland.

A decision on whether Staniforth will return to Perth earlier than planned will be made tomorrow.

[.X.]

In my humble opinion - Scott Staniforth was very very lucky to be only out for one week.

I would not be at all surprised that fans, critics and commentators are very upset about this decision.

[Burgs]

Yeah, agree there Exile. As indicated elsewhere I was expecting a far more serious lay off, at least two games anyway!
The fans, critics and commentators can be as upset as they like but this supporter is delighted as it keeps us in the hunt for a maiden victory in South Africa!
I wonder what it does for his "Force Player of the Year" chances, if it is a Fairest and Best or just a Best Player?

[.X.]

ohhh good question Burgs

I feel a TWF poll coming on............

Should this be a "Best" award. or a "best and fairest award"

A best and Fairest award would rule any player suspended ineligible to win


Let the members decide

[Darren]

I think Burgs was talking about the EWF (Emirates Western Force) player award
As far as the TWF award is concerned, the members decide every week when they place their votes.

[.X.]

Yes Coach, but is Staniforth still eligible for the TWF player of the year award - or should his name be removed from the poll each posting week?

[Darren]

If he is in the 22, his name is on the poll.

Voters may choose to exclude him if they feel he deserves it by simply not nominating him.