New Western Force prop Matt Dunning is available for the start of the Super 14 rugby season after he escaped suspension for punching an opponent during a pre-season fixture.
Dunning was making his debut for the Force against the Stormers in Cape Town on the weekend, but lasted just 15 minutes before he was shown a red card for punching an opponent.
Stormers forward Jacque Potgieter was also shown a red card for his involvement in the incident.
Dunning pleaded guilty to striking in a hearing on Monday,.but escaped suspension after the judiciary deemed the red card handed out on the night was punishment enough.