Nonu in the clear

NEW ZEALAND centre Ma’a Nonu has escaped further punishment for his spear-tackle on Ireland’s Gordon D’Arcy at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

Nonu was called before an International Rugby Board disciplinary hearing last night after being cited for the challenge which saw him lift D’Arcy into the air and drop the Leinster midfielder onto the floor.

But IRB judicial officer Judge Wyn Williams, who deferred his decision overnight, has opted against taking additional action as Nonu did not drive D’Arcy into the ground.