South Africa bounced back against the Lions with a 27-9 victory in a brutal second Test. Discipline was an issue from both sides, however, and prop Kyle Sinckler has now been cited for biting during the match.
Sinckler is the second player to have been accused of biting during the match. Scotland full back Stuart Hogg has since been cleared of having committed the same action against his opposite number Willie le Roux.
“Following speculation that has surfaced online, I would like to categorically deny any foul play in last night’s game,” said Hogg.
“I would never bite an opponent and I am annoyed and upset by this unsubstantiated accusation. I’ve always been proud of playing rugby in the spirit of the game.”
WATCH: Stuart Hogg’s potential bite on Willie Le Roux in second Test
Referee Ben O’Keeffe was quick to warn both captains early on. Even so, numerous moments still occurred that could just as well have been cited.
The incident in question happened against Franco Mostert in the second half, where Sinckler is deemed to have bitten the South Africa second row while both were on the ground:
World Rugby has since issued a statement:
“British and Irish Lions player Kyle Sinckler will attend an independent disciplinary hearing after he was cited by Scott Nowland (Australia) for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.12 (biting) during the 64th minute of the second test against South Africa in Cape Town on 31 July 2021.”
“Sinckler will attend a hearing via video conference before an independent Judicial Committee chaired by Adam Casselden SC (Australia), joined by former international players David Croft and John Langford (both Australia) on 3 August.”
Biting is a very serious offence and can carry a 12 to 24-week ban, depending on the severity.
It would be an unfortunate end of the tour for the England prop. Not long ago, the rugby world saw just what this tour meant to Sinckler after his emotional call-up to the squad.
WATCH: The emotional Kyle Sinckler interview which Lions fans MUST see
Sinckler is no stranger to disciplinary committees and could see much more time off very soon. His 7-week ban for ‘making contact with the eye and/or eye area’ against Northampton Saints in 2017 will not do him any favours.
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