All Blacks prop Ofa Tuungafasi has copped a three-game suspension for his high tackle on Wallabies Tom Wright last Saturday.
The powerful front-rower was red-carded in the 23rd minute of New Zealand's 24-22 defeat to Australia in Brisbane, deemed to have made direct contact with Wright's head with his shoulder.
A SANZAAR judiciary has found Tuungafasi guilty of contravening Law 9.13: A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously.
The ban, which ends on February 20, 2021, will rule him out of the All Blacks' two remaining Tri Nations matches against Argentina and a Blues pre-season fixture.
"With respect to sanction, the judicial committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks, due to World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at mid-range level," says the ruling.
"However, taking into account mitigating factors, including the fact the player has pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity and has a clean judicial record, the player was entitled to a 50 percent reduction."
On Tuesday, Wallabies flanker Lachy Swinton was suspended four games for a similar tackle on All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock.
With Tuungafasi and Swinton both ejected from the test, both teams played with 14 players - and at times 13, with Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete and All Blacks lock Scott Barrett both copping yellow cards.
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