Crusaders prop Owen Franks has been handed a two‑match ban for striking, which ends in time for the All Blacks' first test against France.
Franks pleaded guilty to striking his Blues opponent James Parsons on Saturday night, at a Sanzaar Foul Play Review Committee hearing.
He was suspended from all forms of the game up to and including next Saturday, June 2.
He misses Super Rugby matches against the Hurricanes and Chiefs.
The incident occurred in the 36th minute of the match, won by the Crusaders 32‑24 in Auckland.
The incident was initially missed by the on‑field officials but on further review of the match footage, the citing commissioner deemed the incident met the red card threshold.
The defending champions, Crusaders are still leading the overall points standings with 46 points, in second are the Lions with 36 points, the Warratahs are third with 31 points while the Hurricanes are fourth with 45 points.
This week, the Crusaders will take on the Hurricanes at 7.35pm Friday while the Sunwolves meet the Rebels at 9.45pm.
On Saturday, Jaguares face the Sharks at 7.40am, the Chiefs take on the Waratahs at 7.35pm and the Reds meet he Highlanders at 9.45pm.
On Sunday, the Bulls will take on the Brumbies at 1.05am, while the Stormers will meet the Lions at 3.15am.
Source: stuff.co.nz
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