Wallaby Simmons cited for tackle

Updated November 12, 2012 10:36:15

Wallabies second-rower Rob Simmons is in danger of missing Australia's second game of the European tour against England after being cited for a lifting tackle on France's Yannick Nyanga.

The incident occurred in the 65th minute of the Wallabies' 33-6 loss to France on Sunday morning (AEDT) when Simmons hit the French flanker with a late, lifting tackle shortly after replacing captain Nathan Sharpe.

Nyanga spilled a bomb before Simmons picked the Frenchman up and drove him into the turf with the flanker landing heavily on his back.

Luckily for Simmons, neither referee Nigel Owens or his two assistants could pick up the number of the tackler with the referee telling acting captain Stephen Moore his side was very lucky they did not see who made the tackle.

The hearing will be held on either Tuesday or Wednesday.

A Simmons ban could create further problems for coach Robbie Deans with starting second-rower Kane Douglas's place in the team in doubt after his mother had a stroke on a flight over to watch her son play in Europe.

She remains in a stable condition in a London hospital with Simmons bedside with his family who have flown in from Australia.

It could mean second-rower Sitaleki Timani makes his return from injury in the run on side for the clash with England at Twickenham in what is shaping as a tour-defining match for Australia.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, france, australia

First posted November 12, 2012 10:25:32

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Rebels star cited after Highlanders defeat

Updated March 31, 2012 18:01:04

Melbourne's Cooper Vuna has become the latest Australian winger to be cited for a dangerous tackle.

Former rugby league utility Vuna lifted Highlanders winger Kade Poki, whose shoulder hit the ground first, in the 56th minute of Friday's 43-12 loss in Invercargill.

Although referee Marius Jonker penalised Vuna at the time, he did not issue the former Newcastle Knights and Warriors NRL star a card.

However, the citing commissioner deemed the tackle worthy of a red card after watching footage of the incident and the case will now be heard by SANZAR duty judicial officer Mike Heron.

Melbourne centre Lloyd Johansson also got into trouble for a lifting tackle on James Haskell earlier in the game.

But no further action was taken against Johansson following the white card referral, with the sanctions at the time deemed to be sufficient punishment.

Just under two weeks ago, Wallabies star Digby Ioane was given a five-week suspension - effectively a four-game ban with a bye - after the Reds winger pleaded guilty to lifting Sharks flanker Marcell Coetzee.

Meanwhile, Melbourne coach Damien Hill insists the Rebels are heading in the right direction despite their fourth loss in five fixtures and another deflating defeat on overseas soil.

The loss to the Highlanders was the Rebels' fifth in as many offshore games since they entered the competition last year and they have conceded at least 38 points in each of those matches.

Despite Melbourne conceding seven tries, Hill still praised his team for some of its defensive efforts.

He was looking for improvement in tackling and kicking for next Thursday's home game against the Blues though.

"Our defence needs to be more consistently low and our kicking needs to be more accurate," Hill said.

"When opportunities arise, we need to be able to take them.

"Overall they are working hard and they are moving in the right direction.

"We just need to get better at a few things."

The Rebels made a good start, leading 9-0 and 12-7, with gun backs James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale both looking sharp upon their return from injury.

O'Connor kicked four penalties from as many attempts but later tweeted he could not remember any of the Rebels' calls after being accidentally kneed in the head by Highlanders centre Tamati Ellison in the 14th minute.

The Highlanders scored two tries before half-time to go in 12-12 at the break and piled on 31 unanswered points in the second half.

With a short turnaround before the Blues' game at AAMI Park, Melbourne will have a very light week on the training track, according to Hill.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted March 31, 2012 17:05:15

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