Rugby: Tevita Nabura still awaiting date for judicial hearing

Tevita Nabura was sent off against the Waratahs. Photo / Getty Images

Highlanders winger Tevita Nabura is still waiting to have a time set for his judicial hearing following his red card last Saturday night.

Nabura was sent off in the 18th minute of the Highlanders' loss against the Waratahs in Sydney last week after kicking Waratahs winger Cameron Clark in the face.

The 25-year-old flew back to New Zealand earlier in the week with his hearing initially scheduled for Tuesday night, however it has since been delayed and assistant coach Mark Hammett said it would still be "24 to 48 hours" before a time was set.

"I believe that's when we'll know," Hammett said.

Nabura is undoubtedly facing a stint on the sidelines for the incident and having travelled back to New Zealand was unavailable for the side's match against the Reds in Brisbane.

Tevita Li takes Nabura's spot on the wing, while the Dunedin-based side welcome back midfielder Teihorangi Walden in the No.12 jersey, while Liam Squire returns from injury on the bench.

Young fullback Josh McKay has been given a debut in the starting side with Ben Smith not included in the team. Fellow All Blacks Luke Whitelock, Shannon Frizell and Liam Coltman were also left out, while Aaron Smith was named on the bench.

The match will also see the return of Richard Buckman from a long stint on the sidelines. It will be the versatile back's first appearance of the season.

Hammett will take the reins as head coach for the week, with Aaron Mauger flying back to New Zealand for family reasons.

Highlanders: Josh McKay, Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Kayne Hammington, Marino Mikaele Tu'u, Dillon Hunt, James Lentjes, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Tyrel Lomax, Ash Dixon (c), Daniel Lienert-Brown.

Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Kalolo Tuiloma, Josh Dickson, Liam Squire, Aaron Smith, Josh Ioane, Richard Buckman.