Scotland to appeal Jonny Gray and Ross Ford bans

Scotland will hope to have forwards Jonny Gray and Ross Ford in their team to face Australia in the World Cup quarter-final after confirming they are appealing the three week ban handed to the pair.

Hooker Ford and lock Gray were punished after being found guilty of dumping Samoa’s Jack Lam on his head with an illegal two-man tip tackle.

The Scottish Rugby Union announced on their Twitter account: “Scottish Rugby can confirm it will appeal against the suspensions given to Ross Ford and Jonny Gray following the RWC match vs Samoa.”

Scotland’s appeal comes after it emerged South African referee Jaco Peyper told disciplinary bosses he did not feel the duo’s challenge merited further punishment.

Peyper saw the incident at the time but decided not to act.

However, World Rugby rules state the referee’s opinion can be ruled ‘inadmissible’, allowing the independent judicial officer who ruled on the case in Tuesday to ignore his views.

The Scottish Daily Mail have reported Peyper’s comments which were included in the 16-page report into the case in which he said: “I can confirm I indeed saw the incident live referred to in the citing complaint. Samoa number seven (Jack Lam) found himself in position competing for the ball with his head below his hips already.

“The Scotland arriving players, number five (Jonny Gray) and number two (Ross Ford) in an attempt to remove the threat to possession as per normal and in the dynamics lifted Samoa number seven’s legs and he tumbled over, however the player (was) supported on his hands through out.

“After our internal performance review process, I am satisfied that I dealt with the incident appropriately.”