Force flanker accepts his fate
Western Force flanker Hugh McMeniman has been banned for one match, ruling him out of Friday night's crucial game against the Brumbies.
McMeniman accepted the suspension after pleading guilty to dropping his knee into Ben Lucan during Saturday night's win over the Queensland Reds at nib Stadium.
He was shown a yellow card, but the offence was later upgraded to a red by the citing officer.
The suspension means he will be eligible for the finals if the Force qualify at the weekend.
He was fortunate as the lowest "entry" penalty for such an offence is usually three weeks, but judicial officer Nicholas Davidson QC said video evidence showed McMeniman did not drop his knee with any great force and Lucas told McMeniman he was not seriously hurt.
Davidson said McMeniman also had an outstanding disciplinary record over nine years.
The Force can secure a maiden finals appearance with a win on Friday night, but also can advance with a defeat, provided other results fall their way.
Meanwhile, second-rower Sam Wykes said the six-day turnaround would help the Force.
"There's a good mood in the camp and we just want to get into it," Wykes said.
"The short turnaround does not give us time to think about anything, we just want to get over there and rip in. It will be good for us. Everyone is buzzing."
The Brumbies have a number of players returning from injury, including Matt Toomua, Pat McCabe, Josh Mann-Rea and Sam Carter.
