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Lions' Smith hit with ban for Super Rugby final red

By Peter Hanson
Kwagga Smith catches David Havili in the air

Kwagga Smith will miss the start of the Currie Cup season after being hit with a four-week ban for his dangerous tackle on David Havili in Lions' Super Rugby final defeat to Crusaders.

The flanker caught Havili in the air when he jumped to meet a high ball and sent his opponent spinning to the turf, earning him a red card shortly before half-time.

Lions went on to lose 25-17 at Ellis Park, and Smith pleaded guilty to a SANZAAR charge.

SANZAAR consequently released a statement confirmed a four-week suspension for Smith up to and including September 2, meaning he will be unavailable for Lions' first four Currie Cup matches.