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Gruesome photos reveal extent of Timani's injuries
By Online Editors
The Daily Telegraph has printed photos revealing the extent of Melbourne Rebels player Lopeti Timani's injuries after being involved in an altercation with teammate Amanaki Mafi in Dunedin.
The horrific photos show Timani with two swollen black eyes, barely able to open them.
Amanaki Mafi faces a potential five-year jail term over the alleged attack and will face court on August 3, at which time he will be overseas with his Japanese top league club NTT Communications Shining Arcs. The Shining Arcs have issued an official apology for the behaviour of their star number eight, despite Mafi representing the Rebels at the time.
Mafi received bail which enabled him to leave New Zealand but he was ordered to refrain from having contact with Timani. He does not have to be present at the court hearing.
The incident soured the end of the Rebels season, hours after they lost to Highlanders in Dunedin. Mafi is an international recruit coming off contract with the Rebels. Having completed a two-year stint with the side, he is unable to re-sign for a third under foreign player restrictions but after this incident, the Rebels would likely have second-guessed keeping him around.
With Timani heading to France also, both players will likely not be with the team next year.
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Because Robertson is allergic to risk-taking. Perofeta and Plummer were never once trialled at First Five-Eight, Beauden was kept at Fullback for like half the season despite having close to ten players over the year who can play that position.
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