Highlanders winger Tevita Nabura was sent-off for kicking Cam Clark in the head as the Waratahs ended a 40-match losing streak by Australian sides against those from New Zealand.
Nabura was dismissed in the 19th minute of the 41-12 defeat to New South Wales Waratahs after he leapt to collect a high ball and then in mid-air lashed his foot into Clark's face.
Television match official George Ayoub said it was "deliberate action by the player in the air to put his foot in front of him" and suggested that New Zealand referee Brendon Pickerill issue a red card.
The New South Wales Waratahs emphatically ended the 40-match losing streak by Australian sides against those from New Zealand in Super Rugby, beating the Dunedin-based Highlanders on Saturday.
Israel Folau and Taqele Naiyaravoro scored two tries each to help the Waratahs to victory at the Sydney Football Stadium.
"It's been frustrating to hear that all the time," Waratahs, and Australia captain Michael Hooper said after ending the lengthy losing streak. "It was an 80-minute performance, and our discipline was there."
Click on the video above to see Nabura's kick...