Northland prop Matt Talaese has been suspended for three weeks following a dangerous charge that took place on full time in the ITM Cup second round match against Southland this past weekend. Talaese pleaded guilty to the offence. With time up and Northland trailing 18-24, looking for a converted try to get in front, Southland flanker Tim Boys got his hands on the ball in an attempt to win the turnover. His position was such that he couldn't be cleared out the first time, so Talaese came charging in. Unfortunately for both players, the 130kg prop made contact with Boys' face, leaving the referee little option but to red card the massive prop. A disciplinary hearing followed and Judicial Officer Nigel Hampton QC accepted a guilty plea from Talaese, after he acknowledged that his actions were in breach of the law. Mr Hampton took the player's remorse, admission of responsibility and clean disciplinary record into account when considering the sanction. He has been suspended from all forms of the game for three weeks. To make matters worse, the resultant penalty gave Southland's Lima Sopoaga a kick at goal, which ruled out Northland's chance of a losing bonus point. Southland won 27-18.

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