Waller banned for friendly punch
August 8, 2001

Wellington lock Dion Waller will miss his side's opening two rounds in this season's NPC after being banned for a punch thrown in last weekend's friendly against Otago.

The experienced second row had claimed provocation after the subject of his strike, John Blaikie, interfered with him at a line out.

But a judicial panel agreed to uphold the decision of the referee who sent Waller from the field after the punch that left Blaikie with concussion and out of Otago's opening NPC game against North Harbour.

Waller will miss Wellington's ties against Taranaki and Bay of Plenty, his suspension being in force until August 21.

Coach Dave Rennie will probably use Milton Ngauamo as Waller's replacement with Andrew Gallagher backing up from the side lines.

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