All Blacks coach Ian Foster disappointed but fully respects decision to ban Ofa Tu’ungafasi

All Blacks coach Ian Foster says they are really disappointed with Ofa Tu’ungafasi’s end-of-season ban, but “fully respect the decision.”

The All Blacks argued the prop case at a Sanzaar judicial committee hearing on Tuesday, but could not prevent a three-week ban from being issued on Wednesday.

Foster was hoping for a positive outcome because they were confident that there were mitigating factors in the Blues’ high tackle over Wallabies winger Tom Wright.

However, Tu’ungafasi will miss the rest of the Tri-Nations and will not be available to the All Blacks in any of the tests against Argentina this month.

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“It is what it is. You go into the process and we felt it was worth a conversation, and they listened to us and we presented our case and we fully respect the decision,” Foster said. All niggas TV.

“While we are truly disappointed in Ofa, we are fully aware of the process, the high-boarding framework and [we] move on.”

Tu’ungafasi was sent off in the 23rd minute of last Saturday’s 24-22 loss to Australia in Brisbane.

He was found guilty of breaking law 9.13: “A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously”; by a three-person panel consisting of Robert Stelzner SC (chair), Lawrence Sephaka and José Luis Rolandi.

Stelzner spoke about the verdict when it was released Wednesday.

“Having conducted a detailed review of all available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including the submissions of the player and his legal representative, Stephen Cottrell, by majority decision, the judicial committee confirmed the red card under the law 9.13 “.

The judicial committee found the act of foul play worthy of a six-week mid-range entry point due to World Rugby instructions dictating that any foul play incident involving head contact must begin at a mid-range level. .

But the committee determined that Tu’ungafasi was entitled to a 50 percent reduction for mitigating factors that included pleading guilty at the earliest available opportunity and his clean court record.

Tu’ungafasi clearly made contact with Wright’s jaw with his left shoulder, but it could be said that Wright was falling at the tackle after All Black Ardie Savea hit him.

Before addressing the judiciary, Foster said Monday that he felt there was “some mitigation.”

“The judicial process is about being watched [the incidents] singularly and not collectively and trying to make a great philosophical decision.

“But we clearly believe there was some mitigation with the Ofa approach that we will highlight and see what happens.”

Wallabies rookie Lachlan Swinton was suspended for four weeks for his red card in the same test Saturday night.

The pair were sent off in the first half by high tackles at Suncorp Stadium, Tu’ungafasi first, in the 23rd minute, for the challenge to Wright, then Swinton saw red for his blow in the All Blacks blocking Sam Whitelock in minute 35.

The incidents have dominated post-game chat, with All Blacks greats Sir John Kirwan and Christian Cullen calling for the red cards to be removed and replaced by a reporting system.

Australians Phil Kearns and Tim Horan agreed, prompting former Irish striker Alan Quinlan to criticize their views.

“I think it’s a shame, and I’m really sick of these kinds of tackles and people making excuses that it’s going to ruin the game. What’s going to ruin the game is someone getting seriously injured. “