The Kiwi sides have felt the wrath of SANZAAR's Judiciary as Crusaders captain Scott Barrett, Hurricanes hooker Asafo Aumua and Highlanders lock Josh Dickson all received long-term suspensions.
Barrett was shown a red card in the 46th minute during their narrow defeat to the Blues for his hit on prop Alex Hodgman.
With the lock cited for a similar incident during the Wallabies' win over the All Blacks in 2019, Barrett was unable to receive the usual discount on mid-range offences, suspended for four matches.
"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 Red Card under Law 9.13," SANZAAR said in a statement.
"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level.
"Taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's acceptance of foul play, his expressed remorse and pleading guilty at the first available opportunity, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to 4 weeks. The Player was not entitled to the full 50% reduction due to a prior similar offence.
"The player is therefore suspended for 4 weeks, up to and including 13 May 2022.”
Barrett will miss the entirety of the Crusaders’ tour of Australia, which begins with Sunday's clash against the Rebels before facing the Waratahs, Western Force and Brumbies.
Meanwhile, Aumua and Dickson received three-match bans for their tackles during the Hurricanes' narrow win over the Highlanders.
Dickson was red-carded for his effort on Tevita Mafileo in the 19th minute whilst Aumua was not originally sanctioned for his high cleanout on Gareth Evans, which forced Evans from the field and left Highlanders captain Aaron Smith fuming.
"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level," SANZAAR added on both incidents.
"Taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's clean judicial record and his acceptance of guilt at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks."
"The Player(s) was informed of his ability to apply for the Head Contact Process Coaching Intervention. Any player who has a citing or red card upheld by a disciplinary panel for foul play involving the Head Contact Process may apply to have the final week of their sanction substituted by undertaking a coaching intervention that specifically addresses the technical tackle/contact technique-error that caused or contributed to the foul play.
"This intervention will be overseen by the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Expert Review Panel – a panel of expert independent coaches - and is only be available to first time offenders."
