George Moala

It was August 15 when the 32-year-old former All Blacks player was originally suspended by an independent disciplinary committee chaired by Stephen Hardy (Australia) and joined by former player Stefan Terblanche (South Africa) and former international referee Valeriu Toma (Romania).

They decided that the red card Moala was given for his August 10 tip tackle versus Canada warranted a 10-match mid-range entry point.

World Rugby has announced that Moala will have to sit out five matches after being red-carded for a spear tackle in the 'Ikale Tahi's first test match against Canada in Nuku'alofa on August 10.

It comes after England's Owen Farrell had his red card rescinded for a similar offence against Wales leading to anger among many players and commentators.

The disciplinary committee felt the offence warranted a sanction of 10 matches but reduced this to five.

Up against Ryan Crotty, a lock for the All Blacks midfield, on Friday as the Blues venture south, Moala has the chance to push his claims for inclusion in June.

Cast your mind back to last year's third test against Wales and Moala's first start for the All Blacks at centre. That night in Dunedin he scored a try and made several telling breaks in a largely impressive 50 minute stint but also showed his decision-making had some way to go.