Baker suspended for 6 weeks for dangerous tackle

Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Highlanders winger Kurt Baker has received an unusually severe six-week suspension for a dangerous lifting tackle during his team's Super Rugby match against the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.

Replays showed that Baker lifted Rebels scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker high in the air and then quickly tipped him so that his neck made contact with the ground.

Duty judicial officer Nicholas Davidson, who imposed the suspension, said Stirzaker "was placed in a very vulnerable position and was fortunate to not be injured."

Davidson said Baker might have faced a 10-week suspension but was given a reduced penalty for pleading guilty and for his previous excellent disciplinary record.