Six Nations 2014: Ian Evans made to sweat over possible ban after he is sent-off for alleged stamping in Ospreys defeat
Evans was red carded after appearing to stamp on Leinster forward Mike McCarthy in the 36-3 Heineken Cup loss on Friday night
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ospreys lock Ian Evans could miss at least part of Wales' RBS 6 Nations title defence after he was sent off for alleged stamping.
And Wales coach Warren Gatland, whose 32-man Six Nations squad assembles on Monday, will require early fitness updates on forwards Richard Hibbard and Ryan Jones following their injury-enforced departures during the Ospreys' 36-3 Heineken Cup defeat against Leinster on Friday night.
Evans, whose Wales second-row partnership with Alun-Wyn Jones has been a key element of recent international successes, was dismissed by French referee Romain Poite after television replays showed Leinster forward Mike McCarthy being stamped on.
Evans, 29, is now set to face a disciplinary hearing next week, with the range of suspensions for stamping starting at a fortnight and moving up to nine weeks or more for a top-end offence.
Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign at home against Italy on February 1, before tackling Ireland in Dublin seven days later.
Evans, who will join Heineken Cup holders Toulon next season, has won 32 caps and was one of four locks named in Gatland's Six Nations squad alongside Jones, Luke Charteris and Andrew Coombs.
Reflecting on the first-half incident after the game, Ospreys backs coach Gruff Rees said: "It was a big moment, but I'm not sure about it to be honest, like a lot of observers, I think.
"Perhaps it was a bit reckless, but there were a lot of replays needed to make a decision, which suggests it wasn't that clear and obvious.
"It took five or six times in slow-mo to isolate the incident. I don't know if that's clear and obvious from a red card point of view, and it changes the game.
"You have to be absolutely certain with a red card, and that there were so many replays and there are still so many differing opinions on it suggests that the clips may not have been totally conclusive.
"I think when it does get slowed down to the nth degree, something worse can be made of it."
Back-row forward Jones, who was returning to action following a calf muscle injury, limped off shortly after Evans' departure then hooker Hibbard did not appear for the second half due to what is understood to be a shoulder problem.
Wales are already without Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies - possibly for the first three Six Nations games - while he continues his recovery from a pectoral muscle injury suffered during this season's autumn Tests.
Davies has been named in Gatland's squad, together with Wales captain Sam Warburton and his fellow Cardiff Blues forward Gethin Jenkins, who are battling to overcome shoulder and knee injuries, respectively.
Warburton and Jenkins will both miss the Blues' final Heineken Cup pool match against Exeter on Saturday.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments