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ESPN staff
Benjamin Fall’s red card has been rescinded by a World Rugby appointed judicial committee after the committee deemed Fall’s running line was altered after he was bumped by the All Blacks’ Anton Lienert-Brown.
Fall was shown a red card by referee Angus Gardner in the 11th minute on Saturday night when Fall collided with All Blacks fly-half Beauden Barrett in the air as they both contested a high kick.
Barrett landed on his neck and head and failed a HIA which saw him miss the remainder of the match.
The committee conducted a detailed review of all the evidence available, including all video footage and player submissions and the committee determined to dismiss the red card issued by the referee.
The committee stated: “As demonstrated in the video footage, the player, at all times, had his eyes on the ball whilst it was in the air, which showed, in our opinion, a clear intention, on the part of the player, that he intended to contest it.
“From the moment the ball leaves France no.10’s boot the player is observed running a line at pace to a position which he believes will put him in the best possible position to catch it. The line that the player is running is then altered by his collision with New Zealand no.13. This collision then causes the player to lose his balance, stumble and be propelled or pushed towards the path of New Zealand no.10.”
The committee also acknowledged Barrett’s concussion, that was the direct outcome of the collision, but stated they did not believe Fall’s actions were deliberate or reckless, instead found his actions were accidental.
Barrett was sent home to recover from his concussion and is questionable for the All Blacks third Test with France in Dunedin, while Fall will be available for selection.