Springbok Jasper Wiese to miss All Blacks clash after ban for red card

South Africa No.8 Jasper Wiese will miss South Africa’s meeting with the All Blacks at Eden Park during the Rugby Championship after being handed a four match ban for his red card for head-butting at the weekend.

The Springbok was dismissed by referee Andrew Brace after 22 minutes of the 45-0 win at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for head-butting prop Danilo Fischetti.

While 20-minute red cards were in place for the match, they were not applicable for acts of foul play, which a head-butt clearly falls under.

Following a hearing on Tuesday, the 29-year-old was charged with contravening Law 9.12 (striking with the head), which warranted a low-entry point of six weeks, though it was reduced by two weeks due to the submission from Wiese.

Fixture

Internationals

South Africa

55 - 10

Full-time

Georgia

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A World Rugby statement reads: “The Disciplinary Committee (DC) met on Tuesday 15 July 2025 and was chaired by Rhian Willians (Wales), joined by former international Match Officials Donal Courtney (Ireland) and Valeriu Tomu (Romania).

“The player accepted that foul play had occurred but did not accept that the offence warranted a red card.

“The DC considered the player’s submissions, along with the clips and other available evidence and found that the red card was upheld. While the red card issued was for Law 9.11 (a player must not do anything reckless or dangerous), the committee agreed that the offence should be 9.12 (striking with the head).

“The committee considered the appropriate entry point for the offending and decided that the offence warranted a low-end entry point of six matches. Having considered submissions as regards mitigation, the committee decided on a final sanction of four matches.”

The ban means Wiese will miss Saturday’s meeting with Georgia at the Mbombela Stadium, as well as the opening three rounds of the Rugby Championship, with two matches against Australia and the first Test against the All Blacks, where they will put 50-Test unbeaten streak at Eden Park on the line.

Wiese has 48 hours to appeal the ban.