Tevita Nabura of the Highlanders is sent off during the round 14 Super Rugby match between the Waratahs and the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium on May 19, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
AFP
Waratahs winger Cam Clark says he has no hard feelings after being booted in the face karate-style by Highlanders winger Tevita Nabura.
The spectacular flying kick in the 18th minute on Saturday earned Nabura a red card and proved pivotal, allowing the Waratahs to end Australia’s 40-match losing streak against New Zealand rivals.
Asked if he’d ever tried karate himself, Clarke laughed: “No I haven’t, I don’t have a martial arts background.
“I felt contact there but I wasn’t too bothered about it to be honest … you grow up as a back-three player, contesting high balls, and he’s obviously been taught to protect himself, use the hard parts of your body.
“For me, it’s unlucky he’s just kicked his foot out at the wrong time and got his timing wrong.”
Nabura is due to face a SANZAAR hearing on Tuesday and is expected to be suspended.
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