Wallabies forward Scott Higginbotham has been slapped with a two match ban for his attack on All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.
rugbyweek
Higginbotham was cited for kneeing and head butting McCaw in the 26th minute of the 18-all draw.
The two match ban means that Higginbotham will miss Australia’s Test against France in Paris on the 10th of November and the 17th of November test against England at Twickenham.
As he will miss half of the tour Wallaby selectors may decide to leave him at home for the end of year tour.
SANZAR judicial officer Jannie Lubbe said that “both incidents are categorized as low entry level.”
“The hitting with the knee was more of a bump than a hit. The head butt was reckless and not executed with much force.”
“McCaw was not injured and play resumed,” Lubbe said.
Lubbe said that he was lenient with the sentence due Higginbotham’s “exemplary disciplinary record” because this was the 26-year-old’s first appearance before a judiciary.