Daniel Lienert-Brown will not feature for the Highlanders this Friday when they take on Moana Pasifika after copping a three-match suspension for his red card offence last Saturday against the Blues.
Lienert-Brown was red carded midway through the second half when he slammed into Blues halfback Taufa Funaki at a ruck.
Referee Nic Berry yellow carded him initially, before an off-field review deemed the high shot warranted more severe action.
Last night, the Super Rugby Pacific Judicial Committee, consisting of Nigel Hampton KC (chairman), Mike Mika and John Langford, ruled the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks.
The Super Rugby Pacific statement says in light of the player accepting he committed an act of foul play, as well as mitigating factors such as his disciplinary record, remorse and conduct, the Judicial Committee applied the full 50 percent reduction in sanction.
As it stands, Lienert-Brown will miss Friday night’s away match, the following week’s game against the Hurricanes, and the March 22nd fixture against the Reds.
However, having been given permission to apply to take part in World Rugby’s coaching intervention programme, he will have his ban reduced to two matches if he completes the course.
The Highlanders, who are currently fourth on the Super Rugby Pacific points table, will take on Moana Pasifika at 6.05pm Friday.
In other matches, the Waratahs will face the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua at 8.35pm Friday, the Chiefs will play the Brumbies at 3.35pm Saturday, the Hurricanes will meet the Blues at 6.05pm Saturday, and the Force will take on the Reds at 8.35pm Saturday.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
