By CHRIS RATTUE
The Super 12 citing system came under more fire last night as Chiefs prop Deacon Manu was suspended for one match.
Manu received the suspension for a tackle late in the first half of the match against the Blues at Eden Park which broke Carlos Spencer's jaw.
Manu was cited by match commissioner Steve Hinds for a dangerous tackle, but was instead found guilty at a hearing in Wellington last night of a careless tackle.
The Chiefs have a bye this week and then Manu, their key prop, will miss the fifth round match against the Crusaders in Hamilton.
The verdict left Chiefs coach Ian Foster "extremely disappointed". The Chiefs will go over the written ruling today before deciding whether to appeal.
And chief executive Gary Dawson added his voice to those who say the system lacks consistency.
Dawson said Manu, who was represented by Wellington lawyer Andrew Scott-Howman, got a fair hearing.
But Dawson said the ruling set a new benchmark for illegal tackles, and he would watch for consistent rulings in the remainder of the competition.
"I would describe the tackle as a strong one but the committee saw it differently and I accept that," said Dawson.
Dawson is still dumbfounded after four Chiefs players were cited this season, whereas Brumbies' forward Owen Finegan did not even face a hearing after stomping Cats captain Wikus van Heerden in a round two game in Canberra.
"What happened in Australia was inconsistent. I find the fact that Owen Finegan wasn't even cited pretty incredible," said Dawson.
The committee that heard Manu's case - chairman Bruce Squire, Bob Stuart and Graham Williams - took into account Spencer's injury, which may sideline him for about three weeks. However, the main guide in setting the one-game suspension was previous cases.
2004 Super 12 draw, results and points table
New Zealand squads and information
Australian squads
South African squads
Calls for consistency in citing system after Chiefs lose Manu for one game
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