Wellington-based Hurricanes beat the Melbourne Rebels 39-33 despite a late and spirited comeback attempt by the hosts; Captain Ardie Savea later apologised for making a throat-slitting gesture toward an opponent during the match
Last Updated: 03/03/23 1:38pm
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Ardie Savea was sin-binned during the Melbourne Rebels vs Hurricanes Super Rugby match, and made a throat-slitting gesture as he walked off the pitch
Ardie Savea was sin-binned during the Melbourne Rebels vs Hurricanes Super Rugby match, and made a throat-slitting gesture as he walked off the pitch
Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea has apologised after producing a throat-slitting gesture towards an opponent during their Super Rugby victory over the Melbourne Rebels.
Savea scored two tries and set up another during their 39-33 victory on Friday, although the win was overshadowed by an incident late in the first half of a fiery clash at AAMI Park.
The All Blacks star was sin-binned following a melee involving players from both teams, with Savea making the unsavoury gesture towards Rebels half back Ryan Louwrens shortly before leaving the field.
Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea was sin-binned during their victory over the Melbourne Rebels
“I can understand the fans are furious with the gesture that I made,” Savea said post-match. “It’s just a heat of the moment kind of thing, you know. It’s footy, but I understand kids are watching us.
“We’re in the heat of the moment and that’s out of character for me, so I put my hand up first and apologise for that.”
Louwrens’ team-mate Reece Hodge complained about the incident to referee James Doleman, saying ‘he’s threatening to kill him’, although no further action was taken.
Savea, who was booed when h …