4-week ban for Sharks skipper Du Plessis

Coastal Sharks skipper Bismarck du Plessis was banned for four weeks Sunday after pleading guilty to striking a Super 15 opponent in the face with his boot.
The 30-year-old Springboks hooker was red-carded after 18 minutes of a 12-11 victory by the South Africans over New Zealanders Waikato Chiefs in Durban Saturday.
Chiefs hooker Hikawera Elliot, sent off two minutes earlier for striking an opponent with his shoulder, also pleaded guilty and got a one-week suspension.
But the third player red-carded in the southern hemisphere inter-provincial championship game, Sharks centre Francois Steyn, has appealed against his dismissal for a dangerous tackle and the case will be heard Monday.
Chiefs skipper and flanker Liam Messam was cited after the match for alleged foul play and his fate will be decided Tuesday.
Source: AFP