Elsom free to face the Springboks

Cleared: Elsom is free to face South Africa on Saturday

Wallaby flanker Rocky Elsom has had his appeal against a one-match ban upheld and is now free to face South Africa at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Elsom had originally been suspended for one game by a SANZAR Judicial Committee for pulling down South African lock Victor Matfield in a line-out.

However on appeal a SANZAR Appeal Committee cleared Elsom of his charge in Durban on Thursday.

Chairman Bruce Squire QC of New Zealand said he would give the reasons for the decision at a later date.

Elsom appeared at the teleconference hearing - which was hosted in Durban - along with Australia coach Robbie Deans and attorney John Pammenter SC.

The three-man panel was completed by Jannie Lubbe SC of South Africa and Dennis Wheelahan QC of Australia.