Highlanders wrecking ball Timoci Tavatavanawai claimed yet another victim but the Hurricanes had the last laugh in a gripping 20-18 Super Rugby Pacific victory in Dunedin on Friday night.
Highlanders fullback Sam Gilbert had a chance to snatch a dramatic win for the hosts but his drop goal attempt after the full-time siren faded away to the left.
Highlanders captain Tavatavanawai complained to referee Angus Mabey about a high shot from Hurricanes centre Peter Umaga-Jensen in the build-up but the protest fell on deaf ears.
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It earned the Hurricanes – last year's minor premiers – a crucial four points to lift them off the bottom of the ladder and into seventh place for the time being as they head into their bye week with a 2-3 record.
All Blacks stars Cam Roigard and Ruben Love both stood up for the Hurricanes and scored a try apiece along with winger Kini Naholo.
Sevens convert Caleb Tangitau continued his strong form with a runaway intercept while Ajay Faleafaga also scored a try for the now 2-2 Highlanders.
The Highlanders wore The Incredible Hulk kit and the Hurricanes donned Captain America gear with the New Zealand teams partnering with comic book publisher Marvel in kids round.
And Tavatavanawai showcased his superhero strength when he sent Hurricanes winger Ngatungane Punivai hurtling backwards while attempting a tackle in the first half.
Punivai appeared to be briefly knocked out on the immaculate Forsyth Barr Stadium turf and when he came to he had another headache with Mabey waving a yellow card in his face.
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Punivai did not return under the HIA protocols and was replaced by Fehi Fineanganofo.
"It's unfortunate because he's obviously gone off, but it is foul play," Mabey told Hurricanes co-captain Du'Plessis Kirifi.
"He's always upright. There is head contact. It meets a yellow card threshold."
Ngatungane Punivai of the Hurricanes receives medical attention. Getty
Former All Blacks captain Justin Marshall said it was the right call.
"Definite shoulder to head," Marshall said on Stan Sport's coverage.
"The law protocol is that the defender, he is responsible for that collision. So the defender must make a real effort to get lower than the ball carrier. And what they are saying there is Ngatungane Punivau did not do that. That resulted in head contact.
Timoci Tavatavanawai of the Highlanders charges forward. Getty
"Yes, he is the recipient of that. And he's going off the field. However, the law is that it was his responsibility to protect that.
"He didn't do it by the letter of the law, and unfortunately for him, not only is he off the field with head concussion, but also a yellow card. That's the law, and the players know it. Whether you agree with it or not, that's what it is."
Tavatavanawai has left a trail of destruction in his wake this season.
Marshall has called for the 27-year-old from Fiji to be picked in the All Blacks squad to play France in July.
Marshall described Tavatavanawai as "Ma'a Nonu on steroids."
All Blacks legend Nonu is regarded as one of the greatest centres ever and like Tavatavanawai started on the wing before moving his imposing frame into midfield.
Hurricanes 20 (Kini Naholo, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love tries; Harry Godfrey con, pen) Highlanders 18 (Caleb Tangitau, Ajay Faleafaga tries; Sam Gilbert con, 2 pen). HT: 8-11