The Hurricanes player who played yesterday against the Melbourne Rebels, made a controversial gesture before apologizing.
All Blacks third row Ardie Savea has apologized for making a stabbing gesture at an opponent after being shown a yellow card during a Super Rugby Pacific match on Friday.
The heading Hurricanes captain was penalized after a foul in a scrum when he drew his thumb across his throat as he exchanged words with Melbourne Rebels scrum-half Ryan Louwrens.
Savea said he thought the yellow card was harsh for a “little scramble“, but he did not seek excuses for his gesture towards the South African scrum-half. “I can understand that the fans are furious with the gesture that I made“, he told Stan Sports TV after the game.
«It’s just kind of the heat of the moment. It’s rugby. I understand that the children are watching us, but we are in the heat of the moment. Usually that doesn’t sound like me, so I raised my hand first and apologize».
“There is no excuse for me, I have to be better”
Savea scored two tries and netted another in a stellar performance for the Hurricanes, who won a tight 39-33 game to record their second win of the season, despite prop Tevita Mafileo being sent off. All Blacks center Jordie Barrett, who scored a late try to seal the win and netted 14 on foot, admitted Savea’s gesture was out of character.
“He’s a very proud man and in another moment he wouldn’t have done it. Something must have disturbed him. He’s always in control, he’s a great leader for us,” he said.