KEY POINTS:
CARDIFF - The All Blacks will appeal the two-week rugby World Cup suspension handed out to forward Sione Lauaki.
The powerful No 8 was yesterday banned from this weekend's quarterfinal against France and next week's semifinal in Paris for a dangerous tackle against Romania in Toulouse on Saturday.
At a meeting today involving the coaches and management, it was decided that an appeal would be lodged, either tonight or tomorrow morning.
A hearing was expected in Paris on Thursday, which would be attended by team lawyer and project manager 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 callup for the final unless there were injuries.
Judicial officer Christopher Quinlan yesterday 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
