OPINION: Kolisi will be lucky to escape a ban

In the aftermath of the Springboks 26-20 win over Scotland, footage has emerged of captain Siya Kolisi allegedly headbutting Scottish centre Peter Horne, who was holding him down on the ground.

Watching replays of the incident, it seems clear that Kolisi was being restrained by Horne next to a ruck. It’s a situation that is commonplace at Test match level, as players look to hold others back to get the slightest advantage of space and time on the ball.

In this instance, Kolisi’s frustration is palpable, as he was looking to get back to his feet and join the defensive line. By the look of things, in the heat of the moment, Kolisi lost his temper and looked to strike out at Horne in order to break free of his hold.

It’s an argument that was presented to me after I had posted the video of the incident on Twitter this weekend. It is also an argument that carries no weight, especially when it comes to red card offences like striking, whether it's punching or headbutting.

One feels for Kolisi, knowing the skipper has a high work rate and sense of urgency when it comes to general play. However, there is no excuse for lashing out in that manner, no matter how frustrated you have become.

As the skipper of the side, he is the one player who has the right to talk to the referee and ask for the officials to keep an eye out for professional fouls like holding players back off the ball.

Sadly, it seems the moment got the better of Kolisi and it looks likely that the captain could see a ban for his offence.

Out of character - Erasmus

Among the rugby fraternity, Kolisi is widely regarded as a gentleman of the game. He plays his heart out between those four lines but he is not known as a dirty player.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said as much in the post-match press conference on Saturday night, when a member of the Scottish media asked the coach for his thoughts on the incident.

Having not seen the footage himself, Erasmus declined to comment while conceding that they would accept whatever judgement comes from the citing commissioner. In the same breath, Erasmus said the behaviour would be out of character for the Bok skipper.

“I know the person and the man he is, so it would surprise me,” Erasmus added.

Having interviewed Kolisi on different occasions, seeing the way he carries himself in public and the respect and admiration he has from teammates, family and friends and the general public, I have to agree with Erasmus’s sentiments.

This incident purely seems to be a heat of the moment reaction and if he is cited, I’m sure that Kolisi will be the first to admit he was in the wrong and take ownership of his actions.

The rules of the game must be enforced

Every so often, some of rugby’s most prominent players get caught up in similar foul play incidents that cause a massive stir. As player safety is of paramount importance, perpetrators feel the full wrath of World Rugby’s governing rules.

It is important that this happens, to discourage and prevent players from engaging in foul play.

Unfortunately, whenever the captain of a team is cited for foul play, the incident is thrust into the spotlight far more prominently that others.

England’s skipper Dylan Hartley is a prime example of this and the reality is that he is regarded as a player that lives on the edge of law. He’s been banned for eye-gouging, biting, punching and striking players in the past – not the kind of reputation you’d like as the skipper of a team.

In contrast, Kolisi has a completely clean record. He’s never been given a yellow  or red card in Super Rugby or International rugby.

Nevertheless, Kolisi will have to bear the brunt of his offence, if he is cited and found guilty. It is a sad reality and an unfortunate blemish on the career of the incumbent Springbok captain.

It also means the Boks could be without their skipper for their final clash of their northern hemisphere tour against Wales next weekend.