The England utility back Delon Armitage will miss this weekend's rugby World Cup quarter-final against France after being handed a one-week ban for a dangerous high tackle against Scotland.
Armitage faced a hearing in Auckland after being cited for the tackle on fullback Chris Paterson during last Saturday's 16-12 victory which secured England's passage to the last eight.
The judicial officer says it was a "low-end" offence which would normally carry a two-week ban but that the punishment had been reduced after Armitage acknowledged his guilt.
The 27-year-old, usually a fullback, played on the wing against Scotland and was England's main attacking threat in an otherwise uninspiring display by the 2003 world champions.
England meet France on Saturday at Eden Park to decide who will play Ireland or Wales in the semi-finals.
Injured First five Jonny Wilkinson (elbow) and centre Mike Tindall (dead leg), both World Cup winners eight years ago, are still in doubt for the match.
