Chiefs captain Liam Messam has escaped punishment after having his charge from the weekend’s Super Rugby match downgraded.
The All Black was cited for alleged foul play against the Sharks in their 12‑11 loss in Durban on Sunday.
The loose forward had the charge changed to unsportsmanlike conduct when called before the SANZAR judiciary.
Messam appeared to put a choke hold on a Sharks player during a tackle in the 18th minute of the match.
Also Sharks centre Francois Steyn has been cleared of a dangerous lifting tackle on All Black first‑five eighth Aaron Cruden after lodging an appeal.
Steyn received a red card against the Chiefs and will be available for the Sharks’ match against the Western Force this weekend.
The Chiefs face the Cheetahs this Saturday at 3.30pm while the Sharks meet the Force at 3.05am on Sunday.
