O’BRIEN FREE TO PLAY IN FINAL TEST FOR LIONS AS ALL BLACKS LOSE WILLIAMS TO SUSPENSION

subsequently dismissed, the New Zealand Rugby Union announced.

In a response issued to the verdict by the Lions, O’Brien said: “Firstly, I hope Waisake is OK.

“I would like to thank the panel for carefully considering the case, and I am looking forward to rejoining the whole squad to prepare for the final Test.”

And Lions head coach Warren Gatland added: “We would like to thank the panel for their professional and diligent approach.

“Sean is a tough but fair player, and we are pleased that the panel dismissed the citing.”

New Zealand centre Sonny Bill Williams has been suspended for four weeks after he was sent off in Saturday’s second Test defeat against the British and Irish Lions.

Williams received a 25th-minute red card from French referee Jerome Garces following a shoulder charge into Lions wing Anthony Watson’s head at Westpac Stadium.

And Williams, one of the biggest names in world rugby, was hit with a ban when he appeared before a three-man judicial panel in Wellington on Sunday, with the New Zealand Rugby Union announcing a verdict that means he misses next weekend’s Test series decider.

Williams was the first All Blacks player for 50 years to be sent off in a Test match, only the third of all-time, and first in New Zealand.

Warren Gatland will wield the axe in selection if the British and Irish Lions do not cut out their indiscipline, Graham Rowntree has warned.

The Lions edged past 14-man New Zealand 24-21 in Wellington to square the three-Test series at one win apiece.

It was New Zealand’s first home defeat since South Africa beat them in 2009, and their first