USA star Alev Kelter is facing a massive suspension after getting sent off for stamping on the head of Wallaroos centre Georgie Friedrichs on Saturday – and the act of “thuggery” could prove decisive in Australia’s bid to play in the finals of the Rugby World Cup later this year.
Kelter, a three-time Olympian in sevens and bronze medallist in Paris, was shown a permanent red card in the 79th minute of the Wallaroos’ 27-19 win at GIO Stadium in Canberra, in the second round of the Pacific Four tournament.
The 29-cap centre was tackled by Friedrichs and as the Wallaroo hung onto her left leg, Kelter stamped her right boot down five times in a bid to get rid of the Australian defender. At least two made contact with Friedrichs’ head and two more connected with her arms and upper body, but the Wallaroo was lucky to escape without a serious facial injury.
Referee Aimee Barrett-Theron immediately blew up play and after reviewing the incident on the big screen, was quick to give Kelter her marching orders – but elected not to use a 20-minute red card because of the deliberate foul play.
“Twelve blue (Kelter) is going to get a permanent red card,” Barrett-Theron said.
Alev Kelter is challenged by Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu after being involved in a stomping incident.Credit: Getty Images
“Because this is thuggery, it is deliberate and it is very dangerous foul play. She’s clearly stamped on the head of the Australian player. That’s reckless, that’s dangerous and she’s going off.”
The stamping incident capped an ill-tempered night from Kelter, a former college ice hockey and soccer star, who was also involved in other skirmishes throughout the game.
Kelter was later said to be distraught but left USA coach Sione Fukofuka, a former Wallaroos assistant coach, to visit the Australian sheds to check on Friedrichs.
“I have only seen it once – it’s not nice for the game,” Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp said post-match.
“I have already had the USA apologise and check on “GFred” (Friedrichs). So we will wait and they (World Rugby) will review it.”
Georgina Friedrichs hanging on to the leg of Kelter, seconds before the stomping occured.Credit: Getty Images
World Rugby’s process will see Kelter appear before a judicial panel within 48 hours of the incident. Friedrichs and match officials submitted statements after the game in Canberra.
A sanction would then be handed down (which can be appealed) but based on the ”World Rugby Recommended Sanctions for Offences” and past incidents, Kelter is looking at least six a match suspension, and easily 12 matches or more.
World Rugby guidelines say any foul play that involves the head must carry a “mid-range” sanction, which in the offence of stamping is six matches. But suspensions for head stamping offences over the last decade suggest Kelter could be looking at a “high-range” starting point of 12-plus matches.
Fijian prop Manasa Saulo in 2015 and Wales lock Ian Evans in 2014 both had initial suspensions of 16 weeks imposed for stamping on a rival’s head, which were reduced to 10 and 12 matches respectively with off-field factors such as a clean record, contrition and other factors.
In 2017, Stade Francais wing Josaia Raisuqe had a 12-match ban reduced to 10 and England stars Tom Wood (12 down to six matches in 2017) and Mike Brown also had a 12-match ban reduced to six in 2021.
Anything more than a six-game suspension for Kelter would be a big blow for the USA – and a boost for the Wallaroos – given the two sides will play a winner-take-all pool clash in York in the Rugby World Cup, on August 31.
With both sides in pool A alongside powerhouse hosts England – the tournament favourites – it is highly likely the winner of the Australia-USA clash will finish second and proceed to the finals.
Ashley Marsters of Australia scores one of her two tries.Credit: Getty Images
As one of the most senior and influential players in the USA, Kelter’s presence could be a make-or-break factor for the American side.
The USA play three more Tests before the Wallaroos’ pool fixture, but Kelter would likely seek to serve some of the suspension in matches of the newly formed Women’s Elite Rugby domestic competition, in the USA.
Her side, the Bay Breakers, have three season games left and potentially a fourth if they finish in the top two, and play in the Grand Final on June 29. The Breakers are currently fourth, and a win outside the top two.
Yapp said the Wallaroos would take confidence from downing the USA in a strong performance that saw Charlotte Caslick score her first try, Ash Marters lead a strong forward effort and Faitala Moleka turn in an influential kicking game at no.10.
But she said it was too far out from the World Cup to mean a great deal.
“Confidence wise it’s really important but having said that there’s a lot of rugby between now and the World Cup,” Yapp said.
