Blues shocked by suspensions

The Blues are reeling at news they have lost three players to varying Super 12 suspensions.

Ali Williams has been slapped with a six-week ban for stomping on Richie McCaw's neck area, while Dave Gibson and Sam Tuitupou have been handed a two-week ban for trampling on his body last weekend.

All three players admitted to rucking McCaw in order to get the ball, which is actually prohibited under law ten of the IRB rule book.

Blues manager Ant Strachan said they were surprised and extremely disappointed by the sentences as there seems to be no pattern to the rulings.

Strachan said that in a few other games there have been similar rucking incidents, with different penalties handed down, so they have concerns about consistency.

He felt they went into the hearing well prepared to defend the players.

Strachan said the players have been hit hard by the rulings.

It means Williams will miss all but two of the Blues Super 12 round robin games, leaving him with a loss of wages and very few chances to impress the national selectors.

Because the Blues have a bye this weekend Ali Williams will be missing for five matches, while Tuitupou and Gibson miss one.

The committee said it has taken the bye into account.

Blues management meets on Wednesday to consider its options, including a possible appeal.

- Newstalk ZB