KEY POINTS:
The All Blacks will appeal against the two-week suspension handed out to forward Sione Lauaki.
The powerful No 8 was banned from this weekend's quarter-final against France and next week's semifinal in Paris for a dangerous tackle against Romania.
A hearing was expected in Paris tomorrow, which would be attended by team lawyer Steve Cottrell, selector Sir Brian Lochore and Lauaki.
Lauaki has already missed selection this week but a successful appeal could see him become available for semifinal week if the All Blacks beat France.
If unsuccessful, there would be just five loose forwards available over the next two weeks, with Lauaki unlikely to get a call-up for the final unless there were injuries.
Judicial officer Christopher Quinlan ruled Lauaki's tackle was reckless but the player did not have any intention to harm winger Gabriel Brezoianu, so the punishment was on the lighter end of the scale.
It appears it could have been lighter still but Lauaki may have paid for a lack of contrition, with Quinlan saying he "did not acknowledge culpability" so did not merit a further reduction to his penalty.
- NZPA
