Tuesday 31 March 2015 14:56, UK
South Africa three-quarter Francois Steyn has been banned for five weeks for a tip-tackle on All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden during a Super Rugby game.
During a tempestuous clash between the Sharks and New Zealand's Waikato Chiefs on March 21 that ended 12-11 to the South African side, three players were sent off including Steyn, his team-mate Bismarck du Plessis and Chiefs hooker Hikawera Elliot.
Du Plessis was banned for four weeks for striking an opponent with a boot, Elliot received a one-week suspension for leading with his shoulder on Sharks prop Tendai Mtawarira and, although SANZAR judicial officer Jannie Lubbe initially found Steyn not guilty of his offence, the decision has been overturned.
"The Appeals Committee unanimously upheld the appeal brought by SANZAR and found that Steyn breached Law 10.4 (j) and that the referee was correct to red card the player," SANZAR said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The Committee determined that the relevant sanction was four matches. After taking into consideration the Sharks' bye in Round 11, Steyn was suspended from all forms of the game up to and including 3 May 2015."
Steyn, 27, made his Springboks debut in 2006 and has featured at full-back, fly-half and centre since.
