Hines ruled out of second Test
Lions lock forward Nathan Hines ruled out of second Test
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By James Christie. |  |
Wednesday, 24, Jun 2009 10:43
British and Irish Lions lock forward Nathan Hines has been given a one-week ban after being cited for a dangerous tackle against the Emerging Springboks last night.
Hines, who is now out of contention for the second Test against South Africa on Saturday, was referred to the referees' office after on-field official Alain Rolland missed the Scotland forward's hit on Wilhelm Steenkamp.
The 32-year-old was handed a one-week suspension by judicial officer Alan Hudson, although he could have faced a longer ban that would have effectively ended his tour with just two games and ten days remaining.
As a result, Hines - who many pundits suggested had an outside chance of selection for the Test side for the second match - will not play for seven days.
He is still eligible for the third Test against the Springboks on July 4th in Johannesburg, although will most likely drop back in the pecking order after the suspension.
Hines was one of only two Scots initially selected in the 37-man Lions squad, along with prop Euan Murray - who has since returned home because of an ankle injury.
Since the announcement two more Scottish internationals have been called up as replacement players - scrum-half Mike Blair and hooker Ross Ford.