Meanwhile, Scotland prop Gordon Reid hopes Scotland can script themselves a victory of Hollywood proportions when they take on World Cup A-listers Australia.
Advertisement
But after an exhaustive wait for their fate to be decided yesterday, which were decided by independent Judicial Officer Christopher Quinlan QC, the hugely controversial punishment will see the SRU contemplate an appeal and the clock is ticking on their 48 hour timeline to do so.
Hooker Ford and lock Gray were punished by a world rugby after their two-man tip tackle during Saturday’s clash with Samoa dumped the Pacific Islanders’ flanker Jack Lam on his head. The Judicial Officer added one week for aggravation due to the need to deter this type of risky foul play.
“Pocock is therefore free to play in Australiaâs quarter-final against Scotland”, said a Rugby World statement. “Pocock clearly knees Baldwin in the back but gets off with a slap on the wrist, and Ireland’s Sean O’Brien gets a week ban after a premeditated punch on Pascal Papé in full sight of the referee, while two Scottish players with a ideal disciplinary record get a three-week ban for clearing out a player with no malicious intent at a ruck just because he fell awkwardly”. We understand there will be 23 players in the Scotland jersey trying to smash us.
Few – if any – seriously believe that Vern Cotter’s side can upstage the Aussies in London and clinch a first semi-final slot in 24 years.
“Everyone is writing us off as underdogs”. Fraser Brown and Kevin Bryce provide cover at hooker but Scotland’s resources in the second row are thin after the loss of Grant Cilchrist following the second pool match against United States.
Advertisement
The pair were cited by Australian citing commissioner Scott Nowland over the incident and late on Tuesday found guilty of a risky tackle, an initial five-week ban being reduced to three because of mitigating circumstances.
