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Marcell Coetzee, Vodacom Bulls captain, challenged by Matthew Devine of Ulster during the United Rugby Championship. Coetzee could be miss the URC match against the Scarlets if a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday finds him guilty for a cleanout incident against Ulster.
Image: BackpagePix
The Bulls will be without captain Marcell Coetzee for Saturday’s URC match against the Scarlets if a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday finds him guilty.
A complaint of foul play against Coetzee was lodged by the match-day citing commissioner.
A statement reads: The Player has been cited under Law 9.20(a) and 9.20(b) – Dangerous play in a ruck or maul. (a) A Player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck of maul. (b) A Player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.
Interestingly, Coetzee said after the match that he was unaware he had done anything wrong when flashed a yellow card by referee Ru Campbell during his side’s 34-26 win.
Coetzee said the official was far off when he went over to question a decision, only to see the card. He said he had no idea why.
“It is what it is, and I’m disappointed because Ulster gathered a lot of momentum, though the boys did well to hold them out. We just want a little more clarity in the communication by the referee.”
Despite the card, Coetzee emerged in credit. He carried strongly and scored two match-turning tries aagainst his former team.
“First of all, I feel very blessed to play again and to captain the team,” he remarked on having been out for several weeks with a knee injury.
“It’s so much easier with strong leaders around you. That came through in the last couple of minutes, when the pressure was on and the boys pulled together, including the final call to go for the penalty kick rather than give them a point.
“That was backing from the leadership, because we know long-term what difference those points can make on the log.”