Savea cited for spear tackle

Hurricanes openside flank Ardie Savea has been cited after an incident in last Saturday's Super Rugby pre-season match against the Chiefs in Mangatainoka.

Savea was cited for an alleged dangerous tackle in the 78th minute of the match which was won by the Chiefs 25-21.

Citing Commissioner Steve Hinds cited Savea under law 10.4(j) for an alleged lifting tackle on Chiefs replacement scrumhalf Augustine Pulu.

Savea will face a judicial hearing, to be conducted by video-conference, with Judicial Officer Nigel Hampton on (Tuesday, February 19.

If the citing is upheld and a sanction is imposed, any ban will carry over into Super Rugby competition, which starts on Saturday for the Hurricanes – when they host the Blues in Wellington.