Chay Fihaki was the seventh Crusaders player to be yellow carded this season, having used his shoulder to hit Cam Millar last Saturday night.
Found guilty of a high tackle by referee Jordan Way, unsurprising given he connected flush with the Highlanders playmaker's head, Fihaki sat on the edge of the field at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch while the snout of a TV camera was directed at his face.
Fihaki gave little away.
He had to be relieved, though, when he learned the card had not been upgraded to red; it was deemed a "late drop'' by Millar, prior to the collision, had contributed to his own misfortune.
There was to be more for Fihaki to celebrate, too; because when Super Rugby Pacific issued its weekly judicial update on Monday, his name was missing.
So while Fihaki has clearance to play Moana Pasifika in North Harbour this weekend, Millar, who did not return to the field after being felled by Fihaki, has been rubbed out.
Although the No 10 was reported to have "responded well'' after the incident, he wasn’t considered for the clash against the Hurricanes in Dunedin tomorrow night.
The absence of first five-eighth Millar did more than cruel the Highlanders' hopes of reeling in the Crusaders, who were eight points ahead with 20 minutes left to play, and won 29-18.
It also damaged their chances of securing a losing bonus point.
The Crusaders will face Moana Pasifika at 6.05pm Saturday.
In other matches, the Hurricanes will face the Highlanders at 6.05pm tomorrow, while the Brumbies will take on the Chiefs at 8.35pm.
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will meet the Reds at 3.35pm Saturday, and the Waratahs will play the Blues at 8.35pm.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
