Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has admitted that Jason Emery's sickening mid-air collision with Sharks fullback Willie Le Roux "was dangerous".
However he says the second five-eighth's clash with the South African, which caused him to strike the legs of Le Roux and tip him directly onto his neck, was not deliberate.
That view was backed up by Highlanders stalwarts Ben Smith and Aaron Smith, who reiterated it was clear that there was no malice involved in Emery's jump.
Aaron Smith said he felt for Emery -- and was disappointed his absence cost them what they expected would be a win.
Watch the video.
Newshub.