Arendse reflects on collision with Barrett, missed opportunity

Last month, Arendse was suspended from all forms of the game up to and including 17 September 2022 following the well-publicised incident with Beauden Barrett, which saw the Bok wing accidentally take out the All Blacks star while he was jumping to catch a contestable kick.

The incident occurred in the 74th minute of the clash between the Springboks and All Blacks at the Mbombela Stadium at the start of the Rugby Championship, with Barrett falling awkwardly on his head and neck as he came crashing back down to the ground.

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Arendse had enjoyed a superb performance before the accidental collision, and he has now reflected on where things went wrong.

“I do remember how it happened,” he said, as quoted by Sport24. “My whole thing was to just get up and contest in the air, but I had to change my [lane] because their players were blocking me.

“When I got there, I knew I was too late and tried to back out. But it’s part of the game, you know. I’ve watched it back since. I think I could have slowed my feet a bit or decelerate while my feet were on the ground and then wait for him to get to ground and make the tackle.

“It was in the 22, so as soon as he landed, he would have called the mark… It’s a break (from rugby) I didn’t want but everything happens for a reason…

“I also feel like I could have been there (with the Boks) but ja. You must take every opportunity, but it was a really great experience.”

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When recently responding to a clip of Barrett commenting on the incident, Erasmus suggested that the All Blacks flyhalf was “spot on” with his assessment.

“An area of the game that requires courage and technique, and as you say injuries are part of the contest. We hope you get well soon and recover from this traumatic experience,” Erasmus wrote.

After reviewing the incident involving Barrett, the Boks’ Arendse could have faced an eight-week ban

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee of Michael Heron QC (Chairman), Stefan Terblanche and John Langford assessed the case.

In his finding, Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Michael Heron QC ruled the following: 

“Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Attie Heyns, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the red card under Law 9.17.” 
 
“With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee considered the act of foul play was reckless, highly dangerous and had a considerable impact on the victim player.  The Committee accepted it was not deliberate and after considering all relevant factors decided the foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 8 weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player’s clean judicial record and his acceptance of guilt at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 4 weeks.”

“The player is therefore suspended for 4 weeks, up to and including 17 September 2022.”

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All SANZAAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to the Foul Play Review Committee to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.

For a matter to be dispensed with at this hearing, the person appearing must plead guilty and accept the penalty offered by the Foul Play Review Committee.