All Blacks centre Lienert-Brown handed three-week ban

New Zealand centre Anton Lienert-Brown will miss at least the first two games of the Rugby Championship after getting a three-week ban for a dangerous tackle in the Chiefs' Super Rugby Pacific final loss to the Crusaders.

Lienert-Brown, who was included in the All Blacks squad announced on June 18, will miss New Zealand's Tests against Argentina on July 9 and South Africa on July 15.

He could be available for the first Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia in Melbourne on July 29 if he applies for the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme, which can cut suspensions by a week.

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 9.13," Foul Play Review Committee Chair Michael Heron KC ruled.

"With respect to sanction, the Foul Play Review Committee held the act of foul play was reckless, with direct head-to-head contact made, high force and no significant mitigating factors present.

"The FPRC found the incident was dangerous and, after considering the relevant factors, decided the foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks.

Taking into account mitigating factors, including the Player's exemplary record and guilty plea, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension by three weeks."

"The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including 29 July 2023.”

“In addition to the 3 weeks’ suspension, the FPRC has determined that the player is granted access in the application for the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme”.

The Crusaders beat the Chiefs 25-20 in Saturday's final to secure a 14th Super Rugby title.

Lienert-Brown was yellow carded for his hit, however, was cited by SANZAAR after the match.