The burly midfielder, Ma’a Nonu form the Hurricanes, appeared before a SANZAR judicial hearing in Cape Town on Monday.

Nonu was found “not guilty” of a reckless tackle during his team’s 13-37 loss in their Super 14 match against the Stormers at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town at the weekend.

He was cited under Law 10.4 (e) – tackling a player above the line of the shoulders – for a tackle on Stormers flyhalf Peter Grant in the 71st minute of the game.

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 Law 10.4 (e) 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 centre will be available for selection for his side’s next Super 14 match – against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Friday.

The previous week he was not even cited, despite being yellow-carded for a tip-tackle on Cheetahs captain Juan Smith.

4 Responses to Nonu cleared!

  • 1

    Well, now nobody should be able to complain… a full Bulls side (minus injured players) vs a full Canes side (minus unjured players, if any).

    Should be good…. Bulls must be careful and wide awake, the Canes can run you off your feet when they click.

  • 2

    It was a bit of a stiff arm but didnt warrant a ban.. But I wonder if the verdict would be the same if Oom Bakkies did the same thing with a New Zealand citing commissioner..

  • 3

    Winston of course not

  • 4

    Our citing commission is much more lenient on all players, we’ll keep the harsh verdicts for the soccer wc.

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