New Zealand forward Samipeni Finau has been cited for his controversial challenge on Wales’ Ioan Davies at the Under-20 World Championship.
Back-rower Finau was sin-binned for a high tackle by English referee Christopher Ridley in a decision which has provoked huge debate and divided opinion.
Many people took to social media to argue it should have been a red card, while others supported the ref’s decision.
They will get a definitive answer to whether it should have been a sending off, a yellow-card, a penalty or warranted no action when an independent disciplinary panel sits in Argentina today.
It will chaired by former Gloucester captain Mike Hamlin. Ex-Australia, Brumbies and Munster lock John Langford and former Scotland women’s international Sarah Smith will sit alongside him.
Citing commissioner Eugene Ryan (Ireland) reported Finau for “striking full-back Ioan Davies with the shoulder in breach of Law 9.12” during Wales’ dramatic 8-7 triumph over New Zealand on Monday.
The incident took place in the 48th minute of the fifth place semi-final at the Racecourse Stadium in Rosario.
Baby Blacks scrum-half Taufa Funaki put in a box-kick and Davies took to the air just outside his 22 to catch the ball.
As he landed, the Cardiff Blues youngster bent his knees to absorb the shock and dipped, being hit hard by substitute Finau.
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