Duffie lucky with just yellow as shoulder clocks Kerevi in the face

Honda Heat fullback Matt Duffie was fortunate to to come across a lenient referee when he found himself in a bit of trouble against Beauden Barrett’s Suntory Sungoliath in the Japanese Top League this past weekend. 

Former Blues and New Zealand back Duffie charged into a ruck and knocked Wallaby Samu Kerevi in what looked like the face, sending the powerful centre to the floor with hands on head.

It looked very similar to, if not worse than, some of the incidents we’ve seen of late that had resulted in not only red cards, but suspensions.

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With clear shoulder to face, and despite his protestations, the Kiwi was lucky to only see yellow, considering the high profile aforementioned incidents.

Sungoliath went on to win the match 31-14, scoring some lovely tries in the process, including one from a pinpoint Barrett long pass, a try to Kerevi, and a great team effort that featured Tevita Lee down the left wing.