Blues wing Tanielu Tele'a has taken to his first season of Super Rugby so well, it's difficult to believe he's only 20 and has played mostly in the midfield until now.
That lack of positional awareness may have been a factor in his tip tackle on Stormers opposite Dillyn Leyds at Eden Park. Tele'a, who had earlier scored a scorching try from 50m out, was too deep in chasing a high kick and arrived just as Leyds was at the height of his leap.
The fact Tele'a had his hands up and Leyds landed dangerously on his upper back were other factors in referee Nick Briant's decision to show a red card and the youngster will now spend a nervous few days to see what further sanction Sanzaar hand down.
"I saw the high box kick," Tele'a said. "I was a bit deep and had to really sprint to get there. I had my eyes on the ball the whole time. It was an unintentional collision. I apologised straight away. I guess that's just rugby, sometimes things just happen by accident. I hope he's all good."
Leyds played on and the Blues not only closed out the match but scored a converted try through Rieko Ioane and then denied the Stormers one of their own while Tele'a was sidelined for the final 10 minutes.