Ma'a Nonu gets off dangerous tackle charge

Awful African Super 14 adventures

MAARTEN HOLL/The Dominion Post

SERIAL OFFENDER: Ma'a Nonu completed a hat-trick of run-ins with officialdom when he was cited for a dangerous tackle during the Hurricanes loss to the Stormers.

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Ma'a Nonu is free to play the Bulls this weekend after being found not guilty of a reckless tackle charge.

Nonu was cited for tackling Stormers first five Peter Grant above the line of the shoulders in the 71st minute of Sunday’s heavy loss in Cape Town.

Sanzar judicial officer Rob Stelzner considered evidence from the player, referee Steve Walsh, video recordings and heard submissions from Nonu's representative.

Stelzner deemed that Nonu's tackle did not breach the law and adjudged that in an attempt to make the tackle, his arm slid upwards on impact with Grant's ball-carrying arm. He ruled that there was no impact above the line of the shoulders.

In the circumstances he ruled that a penalty was sufficient punishment and as a result, the Hurricanes second five will be available for selection for his side's next Super 14 match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Friday.

The latest citing completed a hat-trick of run-ins for Nonu.

Nonu had been sinbinned in each of the Hurricanes' two previous matches, for a cynical offside against the Lions in Wellington and a spear tackle on Cheetahs captain, Juan Smith, in Bloemfontein last week.

The Hurricanes are desperate to bounce back for their 37-13 loss to the Stormers.

Nonu's availability is a boost after they lost fullback Cory Jane to concussion.

-with Dominion Post

- © Fairfax NZ News