All Blacks prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi won't play again through the Tri-Nations after being suspended for three matches for a high tackle that saw him sent off in their clash with the Wallabies.
Tu'ungafasi was given a red card early in the Suncorp Stadium Test for a clumsy hit on Australian winger Tom Wright.
He faced a SANZAAR disciplinary hearing on Tuesday after the All Blacks elected to fight the charge, but was given the ban, which is up to and including February 20.
That takes in New Zealand's remaining two Tri-Nations matches against Argentina, including Saturday's Bankwest Stadium clash.
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All Blacks coach Ian Foster said they were disappointed to lose the prop but accepted the decision.
“It is what it is. You go into the process, and we felt it was worthy of a conversation, and we were listened to and presented our case and fully respect the decision,” Foster told All Blacks TV.
“While we’re really disappointed for Ofa, we’re full aware of the process, of the high tackle framework, and [we] move on.”
Wallabies flanker Lachie Swinton received a four-match ban on Monday for a similar tackle, which also drew a red card
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