Hunter Paisami has been suspended for four Tests after being found guilty of a contrary tackle in breach of Law 9.13 during Australia's win over the Springboks in Perth last Sunday.
The disciplinary committee initially set a mid-range entry point of six matches before reducing it by two in recognition of Paisami's acceptance of foul play, his recent disciplinary record, conduct and remorse.
The ban rules the 28-year-old out of the Bledisloe Cup opener in Auckland next week and compounds Les Kiss' midfield headaches — Paisami's centre partner Len Ikitau is also carrying an injury concern. Paisami had been one of Australia's more effective performers in Perth alongside his Reds teammate.
Isaac Henry is among the options to step into the midfield, while Jordan Petaia could be recalled in time for Eden Park on 10 October. Kiss may also consider shifting Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii or Filipo Daugunu into the centres, though Suaalii's strong showing on the wing against the Springboks gives Kiss the flexibility to use him there instead.