All Blacks prop Angus Ta'avao has been suspended for three weeks, after he was shown a red card in Saturday's 23-12 defeat to Ireland at Dunedin.
On the field after a yellow card to Ofa Tuungafasi, Ta'avao was sent off in the first half after a head-first collision with Ireland centre Garry Ringrose, leaving both players hurt.
In a judicial hearing, Ta'avao's red card was upheld, despite the argument of mitigation from the All Blacks front rower.
Although the incident meets the mid-range of World Rugby's head-contact process, carrying a suspension period of six weeks, Ta'avao's previous disciplinary record has counted in his favour and halved the potential ban.
However, Ta'avao's three-week suspension will be reduced by one, provided he completes World Rugby's coaching intervention programme.
Ta'avao also has the right to appeal the suspension within a 48-hour window after the publication of the full written decision.
Nepo Laulala is likely to replace Ta'avao in the All Blacks' matchday 23 for Saturday's deciding third test, unless another prop is called into the side.
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