Brumbies' Peni gets hefty ban for high tackle

Peni caught Crusaders' back Israel Dagg with a high shot in the first half of the match, causing the New Zealand All Black to fall awkwardly and aggravate a knee injury that had sidelined him for seven months.

SANZAAR's judiciary committee said Peni was initially facing a seven-week ban because of two previous suspensions for dangerous tackles.

"However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player's remorse shown on field and his pleading guilty at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to five weeks," it said.

He will be forced to sit out fixtures against Melbourne Rebels, Lions, Bulls and Japan's Sunwolves.

Agence France-Presse