Darcy Swain cited for dangerous cleanout

Fri, Sep 16, 2022, 2:59 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies and All Blacks played out an all-time classic in Melbourne

Wallabies lock Darcy Swain has been cited for his dangerous cleanout on Quinn Tupaea during their 39-37 defeat to the All Blacks in Melbourne.

Swain was yellow carded just before the break, smashing into Tupaea's leg as he tried to clear him from the ruck, buckling the Chiefs back and forcing him from the field.

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The Citing Commission has deemed the incident worthy of a red card, once again sending the Brumby to the Tribunal to defend himself.

"Swain is alleged to have contravened Law 9.11: Players must not do anything that is reckless and dangerous to others, during the match between Australia and New Zealand at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne," the statement from SANZAAR read.

"The referee for the match, Mathieu Raynal, awarded Swain a yellow card for the incident which occurred in the 35th minute.

"Upon further review of the match footage, the Citing Commissioner deemed in his opinion the incident had met the Red Card threshold for foul play.

"The Case is to be considered in the first instance by the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee which will take place on Monday 19 September via video-conference."

Swain was suspended for two Tests in July after headbutting England lock Jonny Hill during their first Test victory in Perth

The decision will likely please All Blacks coach Ian Foster, expressing his frustration at an incident that could keep Tupaea on the sidelines for a significant period with a suspected ACL injury.

“We’ve got a big issue with that,” he said after the match.

“We’ve got a player who is likely out for 9 months and you're not allowed to target legs on the cleanout side of the ball. The rules are pretty clear."

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