Sunday 18 October 2015

Ford and Gray for Wallabies


Ross Ford and Jonny Gray have been cleared to play in Scotland's World Cup quarter-final against Australia after winning their appeals against suspensions.

Scotland have not yet announced whether they will be included in the team. 

Hooker Ford and lock Gray were banned for three weeks for making a dangerous tackle during the Pool B game against Samoa's Jack Lam.

The pair were left out of the team named by coach Vern Cotter on Friday for Sunday's game against the Wallabies at Twickenham, replaced by hooker Fraser Brown and lock Tim Swinson.

Following a review of the evidence, however, the Appeal Committee dismissed the finding that Ford and Gray had committed a dangerous tackle because the opposing player had not been dropped or driven.

Judicial Officer Christopher Quinlan QC orginially ruled that the tackle - which saw Lam's head driven into the ground at a ruck clear-out during last weekend's final Pool B match in Newcastle - was dangerous.

Quinlan raised eyebrows, though, when he chose to ignore the views of match referee Jaco Peyper, who saw the incident but decided it did not pose a risk to the Samoan flanker.

The decision to ban the duo angered the Scotland camp, with chief executive Mark Dodson labelling the punishment "unduly harsh".

However, when they announced their decision to appeal, the SRU made it clear they were only challenging the length of the punishment.

But there was better news when World Rugby announced their appeal verdict on Saturday afternoon following a hearing in central London, reversing the original decision completely.

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive Mark Dodson said: "We are delighted to see justice has been done. Ross and Jonny are now free to rejoin the tournament, ahead of the biggest game for Scottish Rugby in recent years.

"We find it hugely disappointing they were put in this position by a judicial process, which is inconsistent and unfair. Justice delayed is justice denied.

"It is regrettable that this has overshadowed a massive week for the sport and our focus continues to be on the match against Australia."

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