Wed, 13/07/2022, 6:50 am
AAP
Angus Ta'avao has been banned for three weeks following his red card in the the All Blacks' 23-12 defeat by Ireland.
World Rugby announced his punishment on Tuesday.
Ta'avao was sent off in the 31st minute in Dunedin after he clattered head-first into Ireland centre Garry Ringrose.
Both players were hurt in the incident and Ringrose had to be replaced.
The 32-year-old prop had only been on the field for a matter of minutes, having come on as front-row cover for Ofa Tu'ungafasi, who had been sent to the sin-bin.
Applying World Rugby guidelines, an independent judicial committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks, which was halved taking into consideration the player's "excellent disciplinary record".
Ta'avao admitted he committed an act of foul play but maintained a red card was not warranted due to the presence of mitigating factors.
He has the right to appeal the outcome of the independent disciplinary hearing within 48 hours.
World Rugby also said the sanction could be cut to two weeks if Ta'avao completes the its coaching intervention programme.
Ireland's victory at Forsyth Barr Stadium was their first over the three-time world champions on New Zealand soil.
The All Blacks face Ireland in the series decider on Saturday in Wellington. The series is level at 1-1.
https://www.rugby.com.au/news/all-bl...d-card-2022712
