Lions' Shaw gets two-week ban

Simon Shaw © Gallo Images
Simon Shaw was suspended for two weeks on Sunday for dangerous play in the British and Irish Lions' 28-9 victory over South Africa after striking Springboks scrumhalf Fourie du Preez with his knee.

Shaw was shown the yellow card and sent to the sinbin on Saturday by Australian referee Stuart Dickinson just before half time at Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg. The England second row appeared before judicial officer Alan Hudson of Canada at a hearing on Sunday and was found guilty.

With the Lions tour now over and the domestic season not due to start until August, Shaw's ban will not begin until August 9 and finish August 22.

The 35-year-old lock forward, who added more power to the Lions pack in both the second and third tests, challenged Du Preez while chasing a kick ahead and fell on top of the Springbok, who was left dazed and lying on the turf. Du Preez was able to continue, but was later replaced by Ruan Pienaar.

Although the Lions won the game, South Africa won the series 2-1 after victories in Durban and Pretoria.

Read more on the British & Irish Lions page.


Comments

You must be logged in to post a comment.
by Patrick Winterrowd July 8, 2009 13:50 GMT
Shaw turned out to be one of the most important players on the Lion's roster. This incident mars what for him was an excellent tour.
Report this comment
by brad morrow July 9, 2009 03:14 GMT
Dan I thought the yellow card was a little harsh! The suspension is over the top. The Lion's tour was amazing rugby. The intensity of the test matches, especially the first two, made you sit on the edge of your seat the entire game. Shaw and Botha are both cut from a similar mold. They are lock forwards! They should be a little mean. This is rugby. The assistant ref witnessed the knee to the back and made a just action. That is enough. Every other ruck is a small battle with players pushing the laws on both sides of the ball, but that's why its rugby. I for one love it that way.
Report this comment


© Sapa - AP