An intervention by match officials saved Argentinean fullback Juan Cruz Mallia from being kicked out of the Rugby World Cup. Mallia has been suspended for two weeks for his late charge-down that rendered Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams unconscious.
A Sanzaar (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, and Rugby Union) judicial committee concluded that a mid-level suspension would be “wholly inappropriate” for Mallia’s actions after hearing testimony from referee Andrew Brace and match officials.
Brace’s handling of the incident has received widespread criticism. He failed to notice the impact on Williams and allowed play to continue despite the fact that a player was unconscious on the ground. Springbok fans were outraged by Brace’s decision, which labelled the incident as a rugby-related occurrence, obviating the need for sanctions. However, the incident was later escalated by a citing commissioner to warrant a red card, forcing Mallia to appear before a judicial committee.
The two-week ban is a relief, as it ensures Mallia’s availability for the upcoming Rugby World Cup. This decision is consistent with a trend seen in rugby, where officials appear hesitant to make decisions that could keep players out of important tournaments. When Ireland’s captain, Johnny Sexton, received a three-match ban, a similar situation arose. The suspension effectively barred him from participating in World Cup warm-up games. Despite the public perception of leniency, this incident exemplifies the delicate balance that officials must strike between enforcing rules and preserving players’ participation.
According to an official press release, “the Sanzaar Judicial Committee has found Juan Cruz Mallia of Argentina guilty of violating Law 9.11: Players must not do anything reckless or dangerous to others, after he was cited following The Rugby Championship Match at the weekend.”
The incident occurred during the first minute of South Africa’s match against Argentina at Emirates Airlines Park in Johannesburg on July 29, 2023. The committee, chaired by Nigel Hampton KC and comprised of David Croft and Ofisa Tonu’u, thoroughly examined the case.
“Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player, the Argentinian coach, and the match referee, as well as submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 9.11,” said Nigel Hampton KC, Chairman of the Judicial Committee.
Although the committee recognised Mallia’s recklessness, it also considered the referee’s interpretation and the match officials’ perspectives on the incident. Given the broader context of successful charge-downs and coaching strategies around such plays, the committee concluded that a mid-range sanction would disproportionately penalise Mallia.
“With regard to sanction,” the committee stated, “the Judicial Committee considered the act of foul play to be reckless, with a high degree of danger, and having a significant impact on the victim player.” However, they determined that a low-end entry point of a two-week suspension was more appropriate given the circumstances.
As a result, Juan Cruz Mallia’s suspension has been extended for two weeks and will end on August 18, 2023. This decision highlights the complex deliberations undertaken by rugby’s governing bodies when weighing player misconduct and its consequences, particularly in the run-up to major tournaments such as the Rugby World Cup.
Main Image: Reuters
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