Highlanders coach Glenn Moore considered the sending-off of captain Jimmy Cowan in last night's Super 14 clash against the Blues at Eden Park a bit harsh, while Cowan himself thought his first connection was below Jimmy Gopperth's shoulder.
Moore said he needed to closely study the tackle on the Blues first five-eighth which led to the Highlanders captain's sending-off, but said his first impression was that Cowan was committed to the tackle and used his arms.
Cowan said the worst thing about the sending-off was letting his team-mates down by leaving the field.
He said he needed to look at the tackle again.
Cowan will appear before Sanzar judicial officer Bruce Squire QC, at the NZRU offices in Wellington, on Monday, with the hearing scheduled to start at 4pm.
Moore said he struggled with the consistency of the rulings of referee Stu Dickinson at the breakdown, a view echoed by Cowan.
Moore said the Blues were very strong at the breakdown - one of the Highlanders' strengths this year - and got in under the visiting players, but he paid credit to the Blues' strong defence.
Cowan was constantly questioning referee Dickinson and said after the game he was getting frustrated, as he felt the Blues players were coming through on the Highlanders side of the ruck.
Moore said his side was still in the hunt for the play-offs.
Blues coach Pat Lam said the decision to send Cowan off was pretty clear.
Lam gave his forwards credit for last night's win, saying they laid the platform.
He said the Blues failed to keep their tempo going during the match, such was the stop-start nature of the game.
