The All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore has been banned for five weeks for striking Wales lock Bradley Davies off the ball during their win in Cardiff at the weekend.
The suspension means the 34-year-old will miss the All Blacks' final Test against England this weekend as well as three pre-season Super Rugby matches for the Highlanders and the opening game of next year's season.
The ban runs until February 24th.
Hore faced an eight-week ban for a 'top end' entry level offence, but an IRB statement says it was reduced by three weeks for his acceptance of guilt, genuine remorse, exemplary disciplinary record and his conduct during the hearing.
The IRB's Judicial Officer says evidence of Hore's remorse was his daily contact with the injured player.
Davies was taken to hosiptal with concussion after the incident.
Hore, who has the right of appeal, lashed out at the retreating Davies, running across his path, as the hooker charged in to clear out a ruck.
