[TeflonTed]

It’s not a question of justification, more a matter of record as the numbers mount:-

Australia....Hodge banned for the 3 remaining pool matches.

England....Francis hearing due maybe today, could be out for anything up to 6 games.

Samoa....both. Lee-lo and Motu Matu’u cited, hearing dates not yet confirmed.

USA...Quill, hearing today.

Have I missed any?

[g2forumsm]

I thought Lee-loo had been banned for 3 games?

[poyntonshark]

Lee-Lo has been banned for 3 games
Quill has now also been banned for 3 games
Matu'u decision has had judgement reserved for no longer than 24 hours

[TeflonTed]

Thanks for the catchup chaps.

[poyntonshark]

Matu'u now got......wait for it...........big surprise................3 game ban.

[Lord Elpus]

Francis cleared - yellow card should have been given.

[TeflonTed]

The officials are trying very hard aren’t they. M. Poite spent a long time exposing his various “near-card” decisions, and was clearly being advised from the TMO’s office.

Did anyone else catch the almost throw-away comment by Nick Mullins (or was it Flats?) that the TMO had got 2 spotters looking at instant replays and advising him to ask Sir to stop and review incidents?

The Josh Adams high tackle penalty was such an incident, play had gone way beyond and Poite seemed surprised to be asked to have a look.

[poyntonshark]

Bundee Aki world cup is over (pending appeal) he has a 3 match ban following his red card at the weekend.

Whilst I am fully behind what World Rugby is trying to achieve, I think this one is harsh. Given the current guidelines then the red card was the right decision, but I think that red sufficient punishment for this incident. It was almost a case of the carrier running into Aki's arm rather than Aki making the tackle.

[TeflonTed]

It’s difficult to see how particular judgements are arrived at. We can only trust (or distrust) the panel as we see appropriate.

Mind you, in the case of Aki, they’ve sort of wasted 2 games by banning him from 3. He, and the whole Irish contingent, have only 1 game to go anyway.

ps...I do realise the other 2 games will have to be served in whichever team or competition he’s next available for selection in, it was almost like an attempt at humour.