Dangerous tackle places Nonu before judiciary

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 becoming a serial offender, completing a hat-trick of run-ins with officialdom when he was cited yesterday for a dangerous tackle during the Hurricanes loss to the Stormers.

The Wellington centre will front the Sanzar judiciary today for a high, no-arms tackle on Stormers first-five Peter Grant late in the 37-13 loss in Cape Town.

Referee Steve Walsh penalised Nonu, but South Africa's citing commissioner decided there was a case to answer.

Nonu was 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.

Ironically, Nonu was quoted by South African media in the leadup to the Stormers match as saying the game was "getting boring" because big hits weren't being allowed.

The tackle on Grant didn't cause injury and was the kind of "big hit" many fans would like to see allowed in rugby union asthey are in league.

However, Nonu courted trouble with his comments during the week and has now ensured referees will be watching him closely for the remainder of the season.

The Hurricanes can ill-afford to lose Nonu for Sunday's match against the competition leading Bulls in Pretoria with confirmation that fullback Cory Jane will miss that match due to concussion.

- © Fairfax NZ News