Ban accepted but inconsistencies irk coach

The Highlanders are still seeing red over a decision which arguably cost them dearly against the Hurricanes in Dunedin at the weekend.

Form lock Josh Dickson was red-carded for a high shot on an opponent during the first half of the tense 22-21 loss to the Hurricanes.

The judiciary has banned Dickson for three weeks, while Hurricanes hooker Asafo Aumua has also been stood down for three weeks.

Highlanders assistant coach Clarke Dermody accepts Dickson’s three-week ban and the red card he got on the night.

But he is a little peeved Aumua escaped a red card for a similar incident in the 76th minute.

Aumua was cleared of foul play initially, but the judiciary has subsequently found otherwise. The decision vindicates comments Highlanders captain Aaron Smith made after the match, questioning the consistency of the officiating.

"I understand why it is happening," Dermody said when asked about Dickson’s three-week ban.

"We’ve got to protect the players’ heads. It is obviously a big part of the game and technically he got it a bit wrong.

"So if that is the precedent which has been set out then we understand why."

But he said Aumua’s non red card was "a bit tough to take". "Obviously [the ban] does not help us now.

"We understand referees have got a big job and ... head contact is not good for the game.

"But if you’re going to pick up one, you’ve sort of got to get them all right.

"It has such a big impact on the, I guess, entertainment and, ultimately, the results."

Up until his red card, Dickson had played every minute of every match for his side this season and is a big part of the reason the Highlanders boast the most accurate lineout in Super Rugby Pacific.

He will now miss their road trip to Melbourne to play the Brumbies this weekend as well as the away games against the Fijian Drua and the Reds.

The Highlanders leave Dunedin on Friday and will be away for three weeks.

They will take a slightly larger squad of 27, but Dickson’s absence will be felt.

"He has been around our team a long time and, this year more than ever, his consistency has been outstanding. So yeah, he is going to be a loss.

"But what it does is it gives someone else an opportunity. We have full confidence in our squad that those boys will be able to come and do the job."

Lock Max Hicks has filled in admirably in the past few weeks. He made his debut as an injury replacement for Manaaki Selby-Rickit against Moana Pasifika and scored a try against the Hurricanes on Saturday.

The rookie has looked comfortable at Super Rugby level in his two outings.

"He’s done well so far. Obviously he is just starting out his career in a tough position at lock in this [era]."

It is no longer just enough to nab lineout ball. You have to carry strongly and contribute defensively.

The Highlanders’ locking stocks will be tested, though.

Sam Caird will have to be pressed into action.

Crusaders captain Scott Barrett has also joined Dickson and Aumua on the sideline. He has been banned for four weeks for a high tackle.