Rugby: Sam Whitelock given two match ban for striking

Sam Whitelock of the Crusaders. Photo / Photosport

The Crusaders are weighing up their options after lock and captain Sam Whitelock copped a two match ban for striking.

The SANZAAR judiciary noted the 28-year-old's excellent disciplinary record and has given him a fortnight instead of the four match entry point for the striking offence committed against the Cheetahs.

Whitelock will miss Sunday morning's clash with the Bulls in Pretoria, and the Hurricanes derby next weekend in Christchurch.

Coach Scott Robertson says they may consider appealing.

"We're going to look and see if it's worth going back to the judiciary. Obviously we've got the right to an appeal. We're not sure if we're going to do that just yet. We're looking to get some more advice. And Sam...he just wants to play."

The suspension of Whitelock, who had been captaining the Crusaders, will leave a leadership void in the team, with fellow All Black Kieran Read also sidelined due to injury.

Jamie-Jerry Taulagi of the Sunwolves also recieved a suspension, being banned for five weeks after a dangerous tackle on Chiefs back Shaun Stevenson.

"The Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid range entry point of four weeks due to the World Rugby stipulation that a strike to the head shall result in at least a mid range entry point sanction," the ruling read.

"However, taking into account mitigating factors including the fact that the player had an excellent disciplinary record including 110 Super Rugby games for the Crusaders and 84 test caps for the All Blacks, the Judicial Committee reduced the otherwise applicable sanction from four weeks to two weeks."