Franks, Hames cited for striking

Owen Franks of the Crusaders and Kane Hames of the Highlanders have been cited for breaching rule 10.4 (a) in their match in Dunedin on Saturday.

Franks was cited in the 10th minute of the match for contravening law 10.4 (a) - Punching or striking, A player must not strike an opponent with the fist or arm, including the elbow, shoulder, head or knee.

Upon further review of the match footage, the Citing Commissioner deemed in his opinion the incident had met the red card threshold for foul play.

Hames was cited in the 74th minute for the same offence which the Citing Commissioner also viewed had met a red card threshold.

All SANZAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to a Duty Judicial Officer hearing to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.

For a matter to be dispensed with at this hearing, the person appearing must plead guilty and accept the penalty offered by the DJO.