Wallabies second-rower Rob Simmons is in danger of missing Australia’s second game of the European tour against England after being cited for a lifting tackle of France’s Yannick Nyanga.
The incident occurred in the 65th minute of the Wallabies’ 33-6 loss to France on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) night when Simmons hit the French flanker with a late, lifting tackle shortly after replacing captain Nathan Sharpe.
Nyanga spilled a bomb before Simmons picked the Frenchman up and drove him into the turf with the flanker landing heavily on his back.
Luckily for Simmons, neither referee Nigel Owens or his two assistants, could pick up the number of the tackler with the referee telling acting captain Stephen Moore his side was very lucky they didn’t see who made the tackle.
The hearing will be held on either on Tuesday or Wednesday.
A Simmons ban could create further problems for coach Robbie Deans with starting second-rower Kane Douglas’s place in the team in doubt after his mother had a stroke on a flight over to watch her son play in Europe.
She remains in a stable condition in a London hospital with Simmons bedside with his family who have flown in from Australia.
It could mean second-rower Sitaleki Timani makes his return from injury in the run on side for the clash with England at Twickenham in what’s shaping as a tour defining match for Australia.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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