Samoan duo cited over high tackles

Samoa centre Rey Lee-Lo and hooker Motu Matu’u have been cited for their dangerous hits on Russia full-back Vasily Artemyev on Tuesday.

The duo were controversially only sin-binned by Romain Poite for the high tackles, with the French referee deeming there to be a mitigating factor to reduce the sanction from a red card.

At the time of the incidents, the Bears were 6-5 ahead but, following the return of Lee-Lo and Matu’u, the Samoans went on to claim a comfortable 34-9 triumph.

A World Rugby statement read: “Samoa centre Rey Lee-Lo and hooker Motu Matu’u have been cited for acts of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous high tackle) in Samoa’s Rugby World Cup 2019 match against Russia on 24 September.

“The players will attend hearings before an independent judicial committee chaired by Wang Shao Ing (Singapore lawyer and former international player), joined by former international players John Langford (Australia) and Olly Kohn (Wales). The hearings will take place in Tokyo on the same date to be agreed with the players and their representatives.”

Meanwhile, wing Ed Fidow, who starred in the victory over Russia after touching down twice, has received a citing commissioner warning for an act of foul play, contrary to Law 9.12 (punching or striking) in the same match.

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