Stormers lock might get away with biting due to lack of clear footage

Stormers second row Adre Smith will tomorrow (Thursday) face a disciplinary hearing after he was cited for allegedly biting Munster’s Niall Scannell in the United Rugby Championship this past weekend. 

Not long into the second half at Thomond Park, Munster scored through another South African, Jean Kleyn, but there was a coming together of Smith and Scannell.

It appeared as though Scannell was holding onto the young second row for longer than appreciated, so there was a little push but the Munster hooker than immediately claimed that he had been bitten.

Scannell was remonstrating and looking at his leg, where he allegedly had clear bite marks.

WATCH: Double BITING allegations get Chris Ashton banned for 13 weeks

“He has a full-on bite mark on his leg,” said Munster skipper Peter O’Mahony, but as was explained to him by the referee, they could only rule on the footage available.

The TMO could only find the altercation, so the match continued but Smith has been cited and will face a video conference disciplinary committee on Thursday.

The incident takes place with 45:38 minutes on the clock:

He has been cited under Law 9.12 – A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm (including stiff-arm tackles), shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking.

Biting ….that should be ban for long time, not suppose to be in the game… disgusting if true

— Ruggaworld 🏆🦁 🇿🇦 (@Ruggaworld) October 2, 2021

Due to the nature of the positioning of both players, it might be challenging to find conclusive proof of a clear and deliberate bite. However, bite marks, testimonies from all involved, and an admission of guilt could mean that Smith will face a heavy ban.

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If that’s the case, the entry point for suspension is 12 weeks, followed by 18 weeks for a medium entry point and 24 weeks for a high (all depending on mitigating circumstances).

Munster went on to win the match 34-18. You can watch official highlights below.