Williams sidesteps penalty for hit on All Black teammate

Ali Williams

He did not miss Byron Kelleher but yesterday Blues lock Ali Williams escaped any penalty for a dangerously late tackle on his national teammate.

It was a decision that would have been a huge relief to Williams, who has his sights set on All Black reselection in the 39-strong squad to be revealed the day after the Super 14 final.

That ambition came under threat when he was cited to appear yesterday before a Sanzar judicial panel, chaired by Bruce Squire, QC, to answer a charge from the Blues' final Super 14 match.

Williams was penalised for tackles on Kelleher and Stephen Bates and later cited for the hit on the halfback.

Squire said that despite initial impressions, the judicial committee was satisfied Williams had used or tried to use his arms in the tackle.

The point of contact had also been in the chest rather than the neck as alleged by the citing commissioner.

The tackle was late but the judiciary was satisfied there was no malice. It was no more culpable than many similar tackles which referees routinely penalised.

Squire told Williams, lawyer Michelle Banfield and Blues manager Ant Strachan there would be no extra penalty.

Williams, who was subbed near the end of the Blues' 30-9 loss to the Chiefs, has received one yellow card during this Super 14 season - for deliberately taking a player out without the ball.

Last year, he was banned for six weeks for rucking Crusader Richie McCaw, now the All Black captain, during a testy match at Eden Park.

The 25-year-old Williams has had an erratic Super 14 season but his 30-test experience will be needed against Ireland, with James Ryan injured and other locks Chris Jack and Jason Eaton due to be rested.