Scotland’s Ross Ford and Jonny Gray are out of the World Cup after being suspended Tuesday for three weeks each for dangerous tackles.
It was the worst possible news for Scotland losing hooker Ford and lock Gray ahead of their quarter-final on Sunday against Australia at Twickenham.
They were cited after Scotland’s final pool match against Samoa.
If Scotland go all the way to the final they only have three matches left.
Both players denied the charge and have 48 hours to appeal.
Details of the specific incidents have not been released, however judicial officer Christopher Quinlan ruled “each player committed an act of foul play contrary to law.
“Tackles involving a player being lifted off the ground and tipped horizontally and were then either forced or dropped to the ground must be dealt with severely by match officials and all those involved in the disciplinary process.”
Ford was accused of a dangerous tackle and Gray was said to have committed an illegal tip tackle during the 36-33 win that secured Scotland’s place in the last eight.
Scotland resource coach Nathan Hines had said earlier he did not pick up on the tackles during the match and “it was only until the citing commissioner picked up on it and issued his report.”