Citing extra trouble for Squire
A SEASON of frustration continues for Liam Squire.
The Highlanders loose forward has been cited for an act of foul play in the Highlanders match against the Hurricanes on Friday night.
Squire was said to have reached the red card threshold with his actions, which was driving his shoulder through a ruck. Occurring in the 11th minute, it was low and his shoulder collided with Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara who was catapulted backwards from the breakdown.
Squire was penalised for the incident but there was no further punishment.
Later in the half Squire was shown a yellow card for a high hit on Hurricanes winger Julian Savea.
Strangely, Savea was not punished — either on the field or afterwards — for what looked like a clear retaliation punch after he had been lowered by Squire.
Squire has missed most of this season after he broke his thumb in March. The surgery did not go right the first time around and he had a month longer off the field than scheduled. He returned to play against the Reds on May 26.
Squire (27) was named in the All Black squad and was expected to line up on the blindside flank this Saturday night in the first test against France.
If he pleads guilty, and the hearing goes as scheduled late last night, then he is certain to miss at least one game.
If he decides to contest the charge — which is a rare event — the process will take longer and he will be in limbo with an All Black test looming ahead.