Grewcock suspended for six weeks, Shaw cleared

4.50pm

Danny Grewcock was suspended for six weeks while fellow England lock Simon Shaw was cleared on a technicality by an International Rugby Board (IRB) judiciary today.

That followed an often spiteful second test at Eden Park last night, won 36-12 by the All Blacks.

Grewcock was handed a six-week suspension for stamping on the head of New Zealand second five-eighth Daniel Carter in the 59th minute, an incident spotted by Australian match citing commissioner Dennis Wheelahan on video replay in the early hours of this morning.

A judiciary committee rejected Grewcock's not guilty plea and ruled that the period of suspension should be up to and including August 31.

That 10-week period takes into account a month's inactivity in July.

Shaw was sent off in the 12th minute last night by Welsh referee Nigel Williams for kneeing All Blacks lock Keith Robinson in a ruck.

The red card was brandished on the recommendation of Australian touch judge Stuart Dickinson.

After the test England coach Sir Clive Woodward launched a concerted defence of Shaw's action, believing Dickinson had over-reacted and spoiled the game as a contest.

The judiciary, chaired by Australian Michael Goodwin and also comprising New Zealanders Pat Samson and Ash Edwards, agreed it had no power to impose further punishment on Shaw as there had been a breach of protocol involving the third match official Matt Goddard, of Australia.

It is understood Williams requested identification of a player by replay from Goddard, something that is against IRB regulations.

Shaw and Grewcock were represented by England team lawyer Richard Smith at today's hearing.

Both players refused to comment on the rulings before the team flew out of Auckland for Brisbane where they play Australia on Saturday.

Grewcock is no stranger to controversy in a 49-test career.

Coincidentally, today marks exactly six years since he was sent off in the first half of the first test against the All Blacks in Dunedin for excessive use of the boot, a game won 64-22 by the hosts.

Grewcock was not in the England tour party to New Zealand last year because he was serving a suspension for throwing a flurry of punches at current England captain Lawrence Dallaglio during a club match.

- NZPA