Italy star handed big ban with Ireland star going unpunished

The independent Judicial Committee consisting of Simon Thomas – Chair (Wales), Frank Hadden (Scotland) and Lawrence Sephaka (South Africa) heard the case, considering all the available evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives.

The player denied that he had committed an act of foul play worthy of a red card. Having reviewed all the evidence, the Committee deemed that: The player had acted recklessly by committing a high and dangerous tackle whereby his shoulder had made direct contact with the neck of an opponent with significant force. This had been correctly sanctioned on field by the match referee following World Rugby’s Head Contact Process.

On that basis, the Committee applied World Rugby’s mandatory minimum mid-range entry point for foul play resulting in contact with the head. This resulted in a starting point of a six-week suspension.

As a result, Italy fans have been left frustrated by inconsistent refereeing as Ryan Baird escaped punishment for a similar challenge that earlier saw the Azzurri hooker sent off.

Rugby Pass 5/10: "An erratic display, not for the first time. His aimless kick allowed Dupont space for the opening French try. A dropped ball as Scotland attack and bounced by Danty in the build-up to the visitors’ third score. On the back foot for the second half and hooked after an hour."

JOE: "Never got up in the air, at the lineout, for the Dombrandt try. Penalised for tackling Isiekwe on his lineout jump."

Rugby Pass: Set the tone for an up-and-down game when he missed an absolute sitter from in front of the posts in the opening minutes before slotting a nerve-settling conversion from wide on the left then expertly landing a 50-22. Missed a high ball completely to give Scotland a good attacking opportunity then compounded the error by conceding a penalty for a high tackle.

Rugby 365: "A day where very little went the skipper’s way. Dropped a clanger with the line at his mercy in the first half and couldn’t regather his own chip after the break. Battled gamely, but unable to drag his side back into the game.'

JOE: "Steady enough outing after being drafted in for the injured Manu Tuilagi. Kept wales honest in attack but fell off a couple of tackles, in defence."