Melbourne’s Cooper Vuna has become the latest Australian Super Rugby winger to be cited for a dangerous tackle.
Former rugby league utility Vuna lifted Highlanders winger Kade Poki, whose shoulder hit the ground first, in the 56th minute of Friday’s 43-12 loss in Invercargill.
Although referee Marius Jonker penalised Vuna at the time, he didn’t issue the former Newcastle Knights and Warriors NRL star a card.
However, the citing commissioner deemed the tackle worthy of a red card after watching footage of the incident and the case will now be heard by SANZAR duty judicial officer Mike Heron.
Melbourne centre Lloyd Johansson also got into trouble for a lifting tackle on James Haskell earlier in the game.
But no further action was taken against Johansson following the white card referral, with the sanctions at the time deemed to be sufficient punishment.
Just under two weeks ago, Wallabies star Digby Ioane was given a five-week suspension – effectively a four-game ban with a bye – after the Reds winger pleaded guilty to lifting Sharks flanker Marcell Coetzee.
Meanwhile, Melbourne coach Damien Hill insists the Rebels are heading in the right direction despite their fourth loss in five fixtures and another deflating defeat on overseas soil.
The loss to the Highlanders was the Rebels’ fifth in as many offshore games since they entered the competition last year and they have conceded at least 38 points in each of those matches.
Despite Melbourne conceding seven tries, Hill still praised his team for some of their defensive efforts.
He was looking for improvement in their tackling and kicking for next Thursday’s home game against the Blues.
“Our defence needs to be more consistently low and our kicking needs to be more accurate,” Hill said.
“When opportunities arise, we need to be able to take them.
“Overall they are working hard and they are moving in the right direction.
“We just need to get better at a few things.”
The Rebels made a good start, leading 9-0 and 12-7, with gun backs James O’Connor and Kurtley Beale both looking sharp upon their return from injury.
O’Connor kicked four penalties from as many attempts but later tweeted he couldn’t remember any of the Rebels’ calls after being accidentally kneed in the head by Highlanders centre Tamati Ellison in the 14th minute.
The Highlanders scored two tries just before halftime to go in 12-12 at the break and piled on 31 unanswered points in the second half.
With a short turnaround before the Blues’ game at AAMI Park, Melbourne will have a very light week on the training track, according to Hill.
