Hunter Paisami might have escaped punishment against Moana Pasifika, but the Queensland and Wallabies centre faces a ban for a dangerous tackle during his side’s 56-36 first-up win in Brisbane.
Hearts were in mouths on Friday night when Paisami, who had just returned from a yellow card, clocked Moana Pasifika inside centre Lalomilo Lalomilo high out wide in the 30th minute.
Although Lalomilo cut back off his left foot and was low, it would have surprised no one if Paisami received another yellow card given World Rugby’s desire to come down hard on any dangerous play.
He didn’t despite the TMO and on-field referee Paul Williams looking at the incident closely.
But the Super Rugby Citing Commissioner disagreed and Paisami’s case will be heard in the next 24 hours.
Queensland Reds hun Hunter Paisami has been cited for a dangerous shot against Moana Pasifika. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Reds coach Les Kiss will be sweating on the hearing because if there’s a position the Super Rugby side is thin in it’s at inside centre, especially with Isaac Henry still making his way back from a season-ending injury last year.
Dre Pakeho, who made his presence felt against Wales and Tonga last July during a couple of exhibition matches for the Reds, could make his Super Rugby debut in Paisami is suspended.
Alternatively, Kiss could earn shift Josh Flook to inside centre and hard-hitting outside back Filipo Daugunu to outside centre.
Regardless, Kiss won’t want to lose Paisami so early in the season, especially with a couple of difficult tests against the Force in Perth and Crusaders across the ditch looming.
Meanwhile, Highlanders replacement prop Daniel Lienert-Brown will also face the judiciary after being shown an upgraded red card in his side’s incredible win over the Blues at home.
Lienert-Brown was cited for his dangerous cleanout midway through the second half.
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