Head-hunter Lauaki plays on
The ineptness of South African administrators have succeeded, yet again, to let somebody off the hook – this time, head-hunting Chiefs and All Black loose forward Sione Lauaki.
It was revealed on Monday that the disciplinary hearing against the burly No.8, Lauaki, was dismissed on technical grounds.
The citing commissioner, Luvuyo Matsha, failed to submit his report on the dangerous tackle within the prescribed 12 hour period after the match ended.
Lauaki was cited for a dangerous, high tackle that nearly decapitated Bulls wing Bryan Habana, flattening the Springbok and leaving him with a bleeding face.
The incident happened in the 31st minute of the first half of last Saturday’s Super 14 match between the Bulls and Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. The Bulls won the game 33-27.
The Chiefs player was yellow carded by match referee Craig Joubert.
The hearing took place at the offices of the South African Rugby Union in Newlands, Cape Town on Monday.
In exceptional circumstances, the Judicial Officer (JO) can allow citings that were made more than 12 hours after the end of the game.
The JO in this case, Dekker Govender, could not find exceptional circumstances to allow the hearing to continue.
As a result, Lauaki will continue to play.
* Did Lauaki deserve to get off? What should have happened?
