Ardie Savea. Photo: Photosport
Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea has apologised for his throat-slitting gesture aimed at a Melbourne Rebels player and hopes it won't result in judicial action.
The powerful All Blacks No.8 slid his thumb across his throat during a verbal exchange with Rebels halfback Ryan Louwrens, prompting Melbourne captain Reece Hodge to complain to referee James Doleman, 'he's threatening to kill him'.
Savea later told journalists he apologised to Louwrens and also had to answer to his father Masena, who called him immediately after the match.
"It's just the heat of the moment, it's a warrior game but I've got to lead by example, being skip, so I got that wrong," Savea said.
"There was a bit of banter going on and it got the better of me.
"I got off the field and my old man called me and kind of growled me off so that's a lesson learnt.
"I understand the role I play with the kids watching the games ... it doesn't excuse what I did but we make mistakes and hopefully I grow and learn from it."
Savea, 29, is hopeful he won't face further penalties from SANZAAR.
"I'm not too sure, it's out of my control," he said.
"...I apologised in the post-game (and) I apologised to the player I did it to. It was just (the) heat of the moment. It's a warrior game, but I have to lead by example and it's something I need to learn from and keep growing."
Savea was both hero and villain, scoring two early tries and setting up another as the visitors roared to a 24-7 halftime lead.
They made it two wins from two, both against Australian opposition, after opening with a comprehensive defeat of the Queenland Reds last week.
- RNZ