Sonny Bill Williams has announced that he will appeal the decision by World Rugby to rule him out of the first Bledisloe Cup encounter against the Wallabies on August 19.
Williams was handed a four-match ban after being red-carded in the second Test loss to the British and Irish Lions, becoming the first All Black to be sent off in 50 years.
He had hoped to use a trial match between Counties Manuka and Taranaki as one of the suspended matches but World Rugby disagreed saying matches used must have "a meaningful consequence for the player".
The matter will now be decided by an appeal committee.
Reports in New Zealand said the All Blacks were upset at the ruling.
