Rugby: Tialata suspended for Blues clash

Neemia Tialata was found guilty of a dangerous tackle. Photo / Getty Images

The Hurricanes will have to make do without All Blacks prop Neemia Tialata for their crucial Super 14 rugby match against the Blues on Friday.

Tialata was today suspended for one week for making a dangerous tackle during his side's 21-10 win over Western Force last Friday.

He appeared before Sanzar judicial officer Chris Morris in Wellington yesterday.

Morris, who deferred his decision after a four-hour hearing, today said Neemia admitted his tackle on Dane Haylett-Petty had been poorly executed.

He said Tialata said he had planned to turn the player in the tackle before attempting to bring him to the ground.

"Instead the player had been lifted to a vertical position before being brought to the ground, which presented an unacceptable level of risk of injury to the tackled player."

Victory over the Blues in Auckland on Friday will secure the Hurricanes a home semifinal.

- NZPA