Sharks prop Sam Tagataese has accepted the early guilty plea and will miss one match after being charged with Grade One Striking while playing for Samoa in the Test Match against Fiji.
Tagataese was sent from the field in the 78th minute of the match for striking Fiji’s Kane Evans with his head, with the charge attracting 168 points for an early guilty plea.
He stood the chance of missing two games had he decided to fight the charge and was found guilty. He will have 66 carry over points, 68 from the charge, minus two points deducted after he was sent off with two mintues remaining in the match.
Tagataese has been in career-best form this season, with his potential absence a blow to the Sharks ahead of their match against the Eels on Monday night.
He also played strongly for Samoa in their test match win, with one special touch setting up a try for Sharks teammate Penani Manumalealii.
The team to face the Eels will be named later today, with the expected addition of Luke Lewis into the Sharks line up softening the blow somewhat of Tagataese's absence.
