Cited Chiefs duo cleared

Kimberley - All Blacks centre Richard Kahui was found not guilty on a dangerous tackle charge when he appeared at a Super 14 judicial hearing in Kimberley on Sunday.

Kahui had been charged over a tackle on Cheetahs player Frans Viljoen in the 78th minute of Saturday's match at Kimberley, won 28-10 by the Chiefs. He denied the charge and was defended by Chiefs coach Ian Foster.

Judicial officer Janne Lubbe viewed video footage of the incident not available when Kahui was cited and found he had not lifted or driven Viljoen into the ground as alleged. Kahui was found not guilty.

Kahui's team-mate prop James McGougan pleaded guilty to a charge of use of the boot on an unidentified Cheetahs player in Saturday's match. McGougan was reprimanded but received no suspension.

Mitigating factors were presented to the judicial officer and after a review of the evidence, Lubbe decided a reprimand was sufficient penalty.