Rebels' Vuna suspended

Sydeney - Melbourne Rebels winger Cooper Vuna has been suspended for two weeks of the Super Rugby season for a dangerous lifting tackle in the weekend loss to the Highlanders, rugby union chiefs said on Sunday.

Vuna pleaded guilty to the dangerous tackle charge after he lifted Highlanders winger Kade Poki in a 56th-minute tackle and dropped him to the ground on Friday. The Highlanders won the match 43-12.

SANZAR (South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby) judicial officer Mike Heron said that Poki's shoulder and upper back made contact with the ground in a manner that placed his head and neck at risk of injury.

Vuna was suspended for two weeks up to and including April 14, which will take in the Rebels' next two matches against the Blues and Brumbies.