Crusaders miffed after Chiefs prop Jared Proffit’s tip tackle goes unpunished

Wednesday, 4 March 2026

Rob Penney’s phone has been buzzing in recent days.

Naturally, there’s been words of congratulations after the defending champions kick-started their campaign by dispatching the Chiefs in Hamilton.

But many also fired the Crusaders head coach a question: How on earth did Chiefs prop Jared Proffit’s tip tackle on David Havili escape punishment?

It’s the same question that’s been asked by many on social media in the aftermath of what was, at times, a spiteful rematch of last year’s final.

Speaking to media at Crusaders HQ on Tuesday afternoon, Penney chose his words carefully when asked about the incident, but his response was telling.

“It’s really hard for me to comment on that, but a lot of people have been messaging me and talking about the incident, saying that they can’t understand how an incident like that goes without punishment,” Penney said.

“I think those people are right to reflect on it and say that there’s something that’s not quite right with the way the process works.”

The Crusaders were clearly unimpressed at the time of the incident, which occurred late in the first half and was well off the ball.

Proffit lifted Havili by the left leg and dumped him on his back and head, leaving the bloodied Crusaders captain dazed.

Referee James Doleman, after consulting his assistants and TMO Glenn Newman, deemed a penalty was sufficient punishment.

Doleman then spoke to Crusaders vice-captain Will Jordan, stepping in for Havili while he received medical attention, and Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson in a bid to cool things down.

“A tip, Is that a yellow [card]?” Jordan asked.

“No, it’s just a penalty.”

Havili then approached Doleman to address the incident, with the latter telling him “he just lifted your leg”.

“Are you allowed to do that?” Havili responded.

“Well, no, that’s what the penalty is for. I don’t believe it reaches anything more.”

Havili is then heard mentioning the importance of protecting players, something World Rugby has especially focussed on in recent years.

Crusaders pivot Taha Kemara slotted a penalty moments later to give the red and blacks a 24-21 halftime lead.

As the teams made their way to the tunnel, a visibly upset Havili and Proffit exchanged words.

When Super Rugby Pacific released its weekly judicial report on Monday, Proffit was not cited.

Crusaders prop Tamaiti Williams was, however, for a dangerous cleanout on Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa’i.

In a statement provided to Stuff, Super Rugby Pacific said every match was reviewed in full by a citing commissioner.

“The tackle in question was reviewed as part of this process and deemed to not meet the red card threshold, which is required for a citing to be issued.”

Williams was on Tuesday handed a three-match suspension, but will only sit out two matches, provided he passes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme.

The Crusader have no complaints. After all, the incident was clear - Williams made direct shoulder to an opponent’s head.

However, as they prepare to face the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday night, it’s clear they’re a little miffed the judicial report didn’t include Proffit.

“We’re just really, really fortunate that Davey wasn’t injured worse - he’s still suffering a bit today, and that’s not good, of course,” Penney said.

“I’m probably better to just leave it there.”