These are sanctions that will still bring grist to the mill of those who are struggling to grasp the scales used by the authorities of world rugby.
Antoine Dupont received a four-week suspension on Thursday, while South African Pieter-Steph du Toit only took three.
As a reminder, the scrum half and captain of the Blues was expelled last Saturday, during the victory of the XV of France against the Springboks in Marseille (30-26), for a dangerous tackle on Cheslin Kolbe.
The South African winger was in the air and had been accidentally thrown off balance by Dupont, landing heavily on his neck.
He had left the field on concussion protocol.
As for Pieter-Steph du Toit, he had also been excluded for a head-to-head clearing on Jonathan Danty, also out.
How can such a difference be explained when the gesture of the South African seems, at first glance, much more "nasty" than that of the French?
Dupont will resume competition on December 18
For Dupont, the Disciplinary Committee has retained as criteria the contact to the head (for Kolbe), the reckless nature of the gesture and the fact that it puts the opposing player in a position of vulnerability.
Intentionality is not retained.
It all culminates in an "entry point" of eight weeks suspension, reduced to four because the scrum-half pleaded guilty, has a good disciplinary record, expressed remorse and for his good behavior in general.
Pieter-Steph du Toit gets two-game ban for his clearout on Jonathan Danty.
Du Toit denied that he had committed an act of foul play worthy of a red card.
3 games down to 2 if/when he completes Coaching Intervention Programme.
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— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) November 17, 2022
For Du Toit, the contact with the head and the reckless character of the gesture are also retained as well as the fact that he injured the opposing player (but not that he placed him in a position of vulnerability, which is less serious ).
The entry point is therefore lower, six weeks of suspension, reduced to three weeks for his good disciplinary record and good conduct.
On the other hand, the South African third-line did not admit his guilt.
He could even reduce his final sanction to two weeks if he follows a World Rugby training program on head contact, allowing suspended players to reduce the duration of their absence.
Read alsoXV of France: how the Blues became the kings of the end of the match
Antoine Dupont will be able to resume competition on December 18 with Toulouse for the reception of Sale at Ernest-Wallon in the European Cup.
Until then, he will miss Sunday's test match against Japan with the XV of France, two days of Top 14 against Lyon and Perpignan and a Champions Cup match at Munster.