Australian captain James Horwill has said he is relieved to have been cleared again of any wrongdoing during the first Lions Test in Brisbane.
The Wallabies second-row says he has been vindicated over the alleged stamping incident involved Alu-Wyn Jones and is now set to lead his charges into battle in the crucial third encounter this Saturday in Sydney.
The judgement of the original hearing nine days ago, during which it was determined that on the balance of probabilities there was no act of foul play, was upheld today by independent appeal officer Graeme Mew and he has told the media it is a weight off his shoulders.
“I’m very relieved. The two hearings have been very fair,” he said.
“I was confident because I know what happened and I’m glad the right result was made in the end.
“I love what I do and it means a hell of a lot to me to lead my country in what is probably the biggest game since the World Cup final in 2003.”
After two and a half hours deliberations, the judiciary panel felt there was no further evidence that would warrant an overturn on the original decision.
“For the appeal to succeed the IRB would have to establish that there was some misapprehension of law or principle by the judicial officer or that his decision was so clearly wrong or manifestly unreasonable that no judicial officer could have reached the conclusion that he did,” Mew said.
The Australian media will be pleased with the result ahead of what promises to be a rip-roaring contest in Sydney.
Lions coverage on JOE brought to you in association with Kellogg’s, official cereal & snack provider to the IRFU.
