Hooker JJ Kotzé faces a more severe punishment if the Stormers’ appeal of his suspension for foul play last week fails.
Kotzé was sent off against the Bristol Bears in the Investec Champions Cup clash at Cape Town Stadium for a dangerous hit on Kieran Marmion, in contravention of Law 9.13. Referee Kevin Bralley issued a 20-minute red card.
The offence carries a suspension of between two and 52 weeks.
A review committee determined a three-week ban, which the Stormers rejected. An independent disciplinary committee will hear the matter on Wednesday.
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The Cape Town-based club believe there was confusion between Bralley and TMO Eric Gauzins that led to Kotzé’s dismissal and that case history suggested the sanction could be rescinded.
“We were offered the three-game one. I presume we would have had the normal two-weeker for tackle school,” Stormers boss John Dobson said during a team announcement press conference ahead of Saturday’s URC fixture versus the Scarlets.
“Our view is that we could hear a bit of confusion between the TMO and the referee around whether they felt the force had gone through the chest. So we just like clarity.
“It’s a red card, and I think if we had accepted that decision, we’d be saying it was a red card. It’s on JJ’s record.
“So, if our view is it’s not a red card, we’d like them to decide that for us, rather than just be told that that’s the sanction. I think it’s fair.”
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Dobson said the 25-year-old Kotzé, who could also miss next week’s visit by Ulster and the 5 December derby rematch with the Sharks at Kings Park, wanted to appeal.
“It’s one of those things when you do a plea bargain with the courts: when you report all those crayfish in your car, do you take the six weeks or do you risk the three years?
“We know that we run the risk of a more serious punishment. He’s going to get something unless it’s rescinded – ineligible for selection.
“There was a very similar tackle in 2022 by [France and Toulon loose forward] Charles Ollivon on … I’m going to forget who it was.
“The referee said red card, direct force, no mitigation. The TMO suggested it had gone through the body and the red card was rescinded. We felt it was worth a go.
“It still means JJ has already served one week’s suspension because we couldn’t choose him until now.”
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
The post Stormers run the risk of Kotzé ban appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Hooker JJ Kotzé faces a more severe punishment if the Stormers’ appeal of his suspension for foul play last week fails.
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