23 Oct 2012

Higginbotham suspended for four weeks, two tests

6:15 pm on 23 October 2012

The Wallabies loose forward Scott Higginbotham has been banned for four weeks for offences against the All Blacks captain Richie McCaw during last Saturday night's test in Brisbane, and he'll miss two tests on Australia's northern hemisphere tour.

Higginbotham was cited twice, for using a knee to McCaw's head and also head-butting the All Blacks skipper, and he was given two weeks for each offence.

The suspension was made effective from last Saturday night, until the 17th of November which means Higginbotham will only miss tests against France and England - if selected.

Coach Robbie Deans has said players not available for the entire northern tour because of fitness concerns might not be selected, so Higginbotham might not even board the plane.