The Stormers will be without Adre Smith for Saturday’s investec chamopions cup match against La Rochelle.
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The lock has copped a one-match ban for stamping during the Stormers’ 26-17 victory over Bayonne in the opening round.
While Smith conceded his action was reckless, he argued before a disciplinary committee that it did not warrant a red card.
That argument was rejected, with the committee upholding the red card. However, the offence was deemed to fall at the lower end of World Rugby’s sanctioning framework.
After assessing the incident, the panel selected a two-week entry point, which was then reduced after taking into account Smith’s clean disciplinary record and his admission of foul play.
As a result, the lock was handed a one-match suspension. He will be eligible to return to action on Monday, 15 December, with both the player and EPCR retaining the right to appeal the decision.
After an impressive away opening win over Bayonne, Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani and loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu are embracing what promises to be a brutal set-piece battle against La Rochelle.
Mchunu, who made his long-awaited Stormers debut on Friday night, said finally getting onto the field after a lengthy injury lay-off was “super special”.
I’ve been looking forward to it for a very long time,” he said. “Injuries happen and it took longer than I expected, but I’m just grateful to finally contribute. I was really keen to pack down with the boys because I saw the work they’d put in during pre-season. No matter who plays, we produce the same standard, so I just wanted to keep that high.”
