Rugby: de Villiers suspended

Jean de Villiers will miss South Africa's TriNations match against Australia next Saturday. Photo / Getty Images

South African wing Jean de Villiers has been suspended for two weeks for making a dangerous tackle during last night's Tri-Nations rugby match against New Zealand at Wellington.

De Villiers faced a Sanzar judiciary hearing in Wellington this morning after he was cited for an alleged lifting tackle on All Blacks winger Rene Ranger in the 27th minute of the match, which the All Blacks won 31-17.

Sanzar judicial officer Dennis Wheelahan, QC, found de Villiers guilty of the charge after considering submissions from de Villiers, his representatives and video evidence.

De Villiers admitted to making a dangerous tackle.

He was suspended for two weeks up to and including August 1 which will see him miss South Africa's Tri-Nations match against Australia in Brisbane next Saturday.

Wheelahan said that an important mitigating factor in de Villiers' favour, was his exemplary disciplinary record, which consisted of one yellow card for persistent infringing during a career spanning nearly 10 years and 60 tests.

- NZPA