News in Brief
Nonu cleared of dangerous tackle
Ma'a Nonu has been cleared of a dangerous tackle charge
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- Hurricanes centre Ma'a Nonu heas been celared after being cited for a dangerous tackle in their loss to the Stormers.
The incident arose in the match, which the Stormers won 37-13, when Nonu was alleged to have tackled Stormers fly-half Peter Grant above shoulder level. SANZAR Judicial Officer Rob Stelzner judged that Nonu's arm had slipped up from the point of contact and that a penalty was sufficient punishment.
- New Zealand-owned building suppliers' co-operative ITM will sponsor the nation's provincial competition, formerly the Air NZ Cup, for the next three seasons including 2010.
The NZRU said ITM would take over the sponsorship from Air New Zealand, which had decided to focus its energy on supporting the All Blacks.
The union also released the competition draw for the 2010 ITM Cup, which starts on July 29 when Taranaki play Northland in New Plymouth. Otago are to get the first opportunity to play Southland for the Ranfurly Shield, in Invercargill on August 7.
- The Blues will be without Luke McAlister for at least another week of Super 14 rugby after the All Black suffered a suspected broken nose at training on Monday.
McAlister, who came through 40 minutes of club rugby on the weekend, was a near certainty to have been named on the Blues' bench for Friday's home match against the Brumbies after missing four matches with a calf strain.
But a head clash at training today left McAlister with a bloodied nose and Blues coach Pat Lam ruled him out of Friday's game immediately.
"Unfortunately he took a knock and that's just the way it is," Lam told OneNews.
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1. Max Verstappen ()
