Fekitoa gets 1-week ban, Cane cleared for All Blacks

By Associated Press 23 November 2016, 12:00AM

LONDON (AP) — The All Blacks received mixed news on the disciplinary front on Tuesday ahead of the rugby test against France, with center Malakai Fekitoa banned for the game and flanked Sam Cane cleared to play.

Both players were cited for allegedly committing dangerous tackles during New Zealand's 21-9 win over Ireland on Saturday.

A disciplinary committee met in London and found that Fekitoa should have been sent off for a high tackle on Ireland winger Simon Zebo. The committee said Fekitoa had "acted recklessly rather than intentionally."

A two-week ban, which is the low-end entry point for the offense, was reduced to a one-week suspension because of various mitigating factors.

Cane was cited for a tackle on Robbie Henshaw that left the Ireland center concussed and led to him being carried off on a stretcher. Cane was penalized for the tackle at the time.

The committee deemed Cane's "actions had been accidental and that he had not therefore committed an act of foul play," therefore clearing him to resume playing.

New Zealand plays France on Saturday in their final autumn test.

By Associated Press 23 November 2016, 12:00AM
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