Ardie Savea: Hurricanes captain apologises after throat-slitting gesture during win over Rebels | Rugby Union News

The Wellington-based Hurricanes defeated the Melbourne Rebels 39-33 despite a late and spirited comeback attempt by the hosts; Captain Ardie Savea later apologized for making a shocking gesture to his opponent during the match.

Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea has apologized after making a throat-slitting move at an opponent during their Super Rugby win over the Melbourne Rebels.

Savea scored two tries and set up another during Friday’s 39-33 victory, although the win was overshadowed by the last incident in the first half of the fiery clash at AAMI Park.

The All Blacks star was sin-binned after a melee involving players from both teams, with Savea making an unsavory gesture towards Rebels half-back Ryan Louwrens shortly before leaving the field.

Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea was sin-binned during the victory over the Melbourne Rebels

“I know the fans are angry with the moves I made,” Savea said after the match. “It’s just the heat of the moment, you know. It’s footy, but I know the kids are watching us.

“We are in a hot moment and that is out of character for me, so I put my hand up first and apologize for that.”

Reece Hodge, Louwrens’ team-mate, complained about the incident to referee James Doleman, saying ‘he threatened to kill him’, although no further action was taken.

Savea, who was booed on his return to the pitch, questioned the decision to be shown a yellow card but admitted after the win he needed to improve his performance.

“It’s just normal noise in the game,” added Savea. “For me, to get a yellow card for pushing and shoving, that’s where rugby is going. I have to be better, we’re trying to clean up the game. I know… there’s no excuse for me, I have to be better.”

Richard Hardwick scored twice in seven minutes for Melbourne to leave them just one point behind the Hurricanes, who led 24-7 at half-time, before a 77th-minute try by Jordie Barrett sealed it for the New Zealand side.

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The Crusaders moved the ball from one end of the field to the other to score a superb try in their Super Rugby clash with the Highlanders.

Elsewhere, Richie Mo’unga contributed 22 points as the Christchurch-based Crusaders bounced back from a shock first-half defeat to beat the Highlanders 52-15.