Hawkes Bay winger Zac Guildford has been banned for four weeks in the ITM Cup after pleading guilty for a lifting tackle last weekend.
Guildford was cited for the offence during last week's clash between the Magpies and Counties Manukau in Pukekohe, being found to have lifted Cardiff Vaega during the 58th minute of the match.
The incident was missed by the referee and Guildford escaped punishment as Hawkes Bay went on to win 35-11, but New Zealand Rugby duty judicial officer Chris Morris considered the tackle particularly dangerous due to the risk of serious injury to the tackled player.
Guildford acknowledged his actions were a breach of the law and he accepted his wrongdoing, being offered a two-week discount for his remorse, admission of responsibility and clean on-field judicial record.
The former All Black will now miss Hawkes Bay's next four ITM Cup matches against North Harbour, Canterbury, Bay of Plenty and Auckland.
