Queensland Reds to appeal two-match ban slapped on star prop Taniela Tupou

Believing it was “shoulder on shoulder” contact, the Queensland Reds will fight the suspension of prop Taniela Tupou for alleged foul play.

The Queensland Reds will challenge a two-match ban slapped on prop Taniela Tupou (right). Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Queensland Reds co-captain Liam Wright says powerhouse prop Taniela Tupou was “hard done by” to be cited for “shoulder on shoulder” contact on Brumbies flanker Jahrome Brown.

Despite referee Damon Murphy and the television match official not penalising Tupou for his hit on Brown in the Reds’ 16-12 Super Rugby Pacific loss to the Brumbies last Friday night in Canberra, the Queensland front-rower was retrospectively charged with foul play by SANZAAR.

Ruling that Tupou had met the “red-card threshold”, Tupou was suspended for two matches.

However, the Reds will fight the charge in front of a judiciary on Wednesday night.

Taniela Tupou (right) has been suspended for two matches. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“We’re under the impression that (Tupou) was a bit hard done by – we’re going to be fighting that,” Wright said.

“We felt that it was shoulder on shoulder, which I’m pretty sure was cleared with the TMO on the night as well and … rightly so.

“With the scrutiny we’ve got on the games at the moment and the refs checking a lot stuff, once we get cleared on the field we expect it to stay that way.

“I thought ‘Murph’ (referee Murphy) and the TMO did well there.

“(It was) shoulder on shoulder. A guy (was) going for the ball that low, cleanout, arms through – I thought ‘Nella’ (Tupou) did everything he possibly could.

“It’s a shame to get cited like that, but we’ll just leave it with our counsel at the moment, and hopefully get a good result.”

If unsuccessful with their appeal, the Reds will lose Tupou for at least their next two games – Saturday night’s battle with the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium, and the following weekend’s home clash against the Brumbies.

The Reds, whose loss last week to the Brumbies was their first defeat of the season, are likely to welcome back co-captain and halfback Tate McDermott from an ankle injury which has forced him out of Queensland’s past three matches.

“Tatey’s ticked all his boxes and he’s ready to go,” Wright said.

“It’s still pending on selection, but he’s an excitement factor and I’m sure he’s ready to rip into the game.

“He epitomises that Queensland fight that we’re about, so we’re glad to have him back.”

Wright returned from a shoulder injury last Friday night but had to be content with a 20-minute spell off the bench in the second half.

“It was great to get back on the pitch last week and get some minutes. The body held up well – I’m available for selection again,” he said.

Originally published as Queensland Reds to appeal two-match ban slapped on star prop Taniela Tupou