Super 14
Ranger handed one-match suspension
NZPA
February 23, 2009
Blues wing Rene Ranger takes on the Bulls defence, Bulls v Blues, Super 14, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, February 21, 2009
Blues winger Rene Ranger takes on the Bulls defence during their clash in Pretoria © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Rene Ranger

Blues winger Rene Ranger was suspended for one match following a Sanzar judicial hearing in Pretoria, South Africa on Sunday.

Ranger was found guilty of a dangerous tackle during the Super 14 match between the Blues and Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday. The judicial officer found Ranger guilty of making a high and late tackle on Bulls hooker Derick Kuun in the 32nd minute of the match. Kuun required treatment in the blood bin as a result of the tackle.

The ban means Ranger will not be available for the Blues' match against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday. Lions players Jannie Boshoff and Heinke van der Merwe are also scheduled to appear before a Sanzar judicial officer on Tuesday after being cited for a dangerous tackle on Francois Steyn in the 76th minute of the match between the Sharks and the Lions on Saturday.

In related news, concerns over Isaia Toeava and Tony Woodcock eased today when the Blues strongmen were put on the fit list for Sunday's match against the Stormers at Cape Town.

Utility back Toeava suffered a knee strain during the 26-59 defeat to the Bulls in Pretoria yesterday while prop Woodcock strained a hamstring, but both were cleared by medical staff today.

The Blues' supply of locks, already missing All Black Ali Williams, will be further tested. Kurtis Haiu is on the doubtful list after suffering a head knock in the Bulls match. He will be examined throughout the week to ascertain if he will be able to play against the Stormers.

Along with Williams, Rudi Wulf, Benson Stanley and Jay Williams remain unavailable because of injury. The Blues will welcome back new father Joe Rokocoko on the wing but have lost Rene Ranger who has been suspended one week for a high and late tackle on Bulls hooker Derick Kuun.

Grayson Hart will return home, with halfback Taniela Moa having rejoined the squad following the birth of his baby. Francis Smith also returns home after providing cover for hooker Keven Mealamu who injured a calf in the Western Force match.

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