ROSS Ford and Jonny Gray are free to play for Scotland against Australia in today’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final after dramatically being cleared of their three-week suspensions yesterday. Head coach Vern Cotter omitted the two forwards from the squad of 23 he announced on Friday, having accepted from earlier in the week that they would be unavailable to him, but must now decide whether bringing them back would be too disruptive to preparation. The word from the Scotland camp last night was that no decision would be made public until today.
Both Ford, a hooker, and Gray, a lock, are first choices in their position and among the most important members of the team. But they missed out on two training sessions this week while absent in London - first at Tuesday’s disciplinary hearing and then at the appeal - so starting them on the bench instead may be a preferable option.
The decision by the three-man appeal committee was a surprise, not least to Scottish Rugby, who had chosen to appeal against the severity of the sentence - imposed for a dangerous tackle on Samoa’s Jack Lam - rather than the finding of guilt. The national governing body also took its time before lodging the appeal, reasoning that, instead of going for broke by pleading innocence again, it was a better option to construct a solid case that could reduce the ban and thus have the two men back for later in the tournament should Scotland win today.
It is almost unprecedented for a judicial officer’s sentence to be annulled, and the decision will increase the pressure on World Rugby to review their disciplinary procedure with the aim of achieving greater consistency and transparency. Ford and Gray were cited by an Australian, Scott Nowland, before being found guilty by an English QC, Christopher Quinlan.
“We are delighted to see justice has been done,” Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson said yesterday. “Ross and Jonny are now free to rejoin the tournament, ahead of the biggest game for Scottish Rugby in recent years.
“We find it hugely disappointing they were put in this position by a judicial process which is inconsistent and unfair. Justice delayed is justice denied. It is regrettable that this has overshadowed a massive week for the sport and our focus continues to be on the match against Australia.”
A full appeal judgement is expected to be published soon on www.rugbyworldcup. com. Yesterday’s statement read: “Ross Ford and Jonny Gray (Scotland) are free to resume playing with immediate effect after successfully appealing against their three-week suspension for acts of foul play contrary to Law 10.4(j) (dangerous tackles),” the statement read. “The appeal took place today at the London offices of the official law firm for Rugby World Cup 2015 Clifford Chance and was heard by an Appeal Committee, chaired by the Honourable Justice Lex Mpati (South Africa), sitting with Justice Graeme Mew (Canada) and Robbie Deans (New Zealand).
“Having conducted a detailed review of all the evidence, including new submissions from the players and their representatives, along with all available camera angles, the Appeal Committee dismissed the finding that the players had committed an act of foul play as the player had not been dropped or driven and therefore the tackle was not dangerous. The players are therefore free to play again immediately.”
Besides clearing the players, the appeal vindicates match referee Jaco Peyper of South Africa, whose own opinion that the players were not guilty was discounted by Quinlan as inadmissible.
As they celebrated the return of Ford and Gray, one concern for Scotland is Alasdair Dickinson. The prop sat out training yesterday and was said to have a slight bug, but is expected to be able to play today. If Dickinson is ruled out, Gordon Reid would start, with Rory Sutherland, who only joined the squad on Friday to replace the injured Ryan Grant, coming on to the bench.
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