"Overturned" - Springboks' Franco Mostert and Japan lock Harry Hockings cleared of red cards

Japan lock Harry Hockings was the first to be cleared, after the Australian-born forward had his 20-minute red card against Wales rescinded by an independent disciplinary panel. Hockings was sent off for an alleged high tackle on Wales back row Alex Mann, and was cited under Law 9.13.

Hocking appeared via video link before a committee chaired by Jeremy Summers (England) with Stefan Terblanche (South Africa) and Val Toma (Romania). After reviewing all evidence, the panel ruled that while foul play had occurred, it did not meet the red-card threshold, wiping the sanction entirely and making the Japan No.19 immediately available for Eddie Jones' selection.

Just as that news settled, attention swung dramatically to South Africa, where Franco Mostert’s sending-off against Italy has headed the same way. Referee James Doleman issued the Springbok lock a with a straight red card for what he deemed an “always illegal tackle” on fly-half Paolo Garbisi, forcing the Boks to play the bulk of the Test with 14 men. Rassie Erasmus was left scrambling, throwing Siya Kolisi and Ben-Jason Dixon into the action early, with Dixon lasting under 20 minutes in his first run-out of the year.

Yet post-match footage cast fresh doubt over the decision. The disciplinary report states that Mostert’s challenge made initial shoulder-to-chest contact, not shoulder-to-head, undermining the key criterion for a red card. Mostert's case was resolved this morning, with the Honda Heat man available to play Ireland at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday.

South Africa are also awaiting the outcome of Lood de Jager’s appeal, after the lock received a four-match suspension for his sending-off against France the previous week. De Jager's hearing takes place on Wednesday, and there is growing belief he too could be cleared in time to face Ireland.

Three overturned reds in a single week would represent a major swing in post-match officiating — and would dramatically influence selection plans across two nations heading into the fourth round of the Autumn Nations Series.