Crusaders prop Owen Franks has been banned for two weeks for striking Highlanders prop
Josh Hohneck, but a technicality means he will miss only one Super Rugby match.
Franks was cited for the use of his right forearm against Hohneck after 10 minutes in the Crusaders' 26-20 victory in Dunedin. Hohneck was clearly offside in a maul as his team defended a Crusaders' attack, with Franks attempting to move him by striking him twice.
In his report, Sanzar duty judicial officer Robert Stelzner said he accepted Franks' offending was not intentional, but it was still reckless.
Stelzner said a ban of two weeks was warranted - which means Franks will miss Saturday's match against the Chiefs in Hamilton. However, Stelzner accepted that Franks could have played for the Crusaders development team during their bye weekend following, which means Franks will be available to play the Lions in Christchurch on March 13.
Highlanders prop Kane Hames, who was cited after the match for a punch to the face of Crusaders lock Dominic Bird, received a five-week suspension.
