Blues midfielder Sylvia Brunt faces a three-week suspension after receiving a retrospective red card, ruling her out of the upcoming Super Rugby Aupiki final.
Brunt’s disciplinary action stemmed from a high tackle on fellow Black Fern, Ruby Tui, during last Saturday’s match against the Chiefs Manawa. Initially, Brunt was shown a yellow card during the game for the incident.
The collision has left Tui sidelined for the final round match against Matatū, with her availability for the final uncertain.
Brunt’s suspension extends beyond the final, as she will also miss the final round match against the Hurricanes Poua and an additional game, totaling three matches.
The judicial review determined that Brunt’s tackle posed a significant risk due to the head contact and the force of impact, warranting a red card offense. The severity placed the incident at a mid-range entry point of six weeks. However, considering Brunt’s clean disciplinary history and her commitment to coaching intervention, the suspension was reduced to three weeks.
The Blues are aiming for a bonus-point victory against the Hurricanes, while hoping the Chiefs do not secure a bonus-point win against Matatū to secure home-field advantage for the final. Otherwise, the final will take place in Hamilton.
Meanwhile, Hurricanes Poua midfielder Shakira Baker also faces a three-week suspension following a red card for a dangerous tackle in her team’s recent loss to Matatū. Like Brunt, Baker’s suspension was mitigated due to her clean disciplinary record and her commitment to coaching intervention.
