Yeah it's a conspiracy and the independent doctor is in on it.
Sure is, old pal, sure is. But nah, it's just (all) teams gaming the system.
Given the independent doctor takes at least 1 minute to make a decision, after the trainer has either given the thumbs up or cute little head tap - of course depending on whether (a) it is a forward who is due for a rest/rotation, or (b) the situation in the game - other team has momentum so let's slow it down for a HIA and give the all clear, knowing full well that 3 or 4 tackles later the game (& opponents momentum) will be stopped again to drag the player off, or (c) a spine player the team needs out there.
With Ponga's history and an apparent high tackle he should have come straight off. I'm sure the backup kicker would have still made the kick.