Nonu cleared by judiciary

BY DUNCAN JOHNSTONE

Last updated 08:15 16/03/2010

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Hurricanes Super 14 action

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Michael Paterson of the Hurricanes fights for the ball with Kane Douglas and Tatafu Polota-Nau of the Waratahs.

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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Hurricanes star 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 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.

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