Williams out... but O’Brien is cleared

NEW Zealand star Sonny Bill Williams will miss next Saturday’s Test series decider against the British and Irish Lions after receiving a four-week ban.

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

World Cup-winning centre Williams, who revealed he has apologised to Watson, was hit with a ban when he appeared before a three-man judicial panel in Wellington on Sunday.

The verdict, which was announced by the New Zealand Rugby Union, means the All Blacks are without one of their most influential players as they target a series-clinching victory in Auckland.

Ahead of Williams’ hearing outcome, the All Blacks called up centre Malakai Fekitoa to their squad.

SEAN O’Brien says he is looking forward to rejoining the British and Irish Lions squad after a citing complaint against him was dismissed.

The Lions and Ireland flanker is free to play in next Saturday’s Test series decider against New Zealand.

O’Brien was reported by match citing commissioner Scott Nowland for allegedly striking New Zealand wing Waisake Naholo with his arm during Saturday’s second Test.

O’Brien denied he committed an offence during a lengthy threeman judicial hearing in Wellington on Sunday, with the citing complaint subsequently being thrown out.

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 in this matter.

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

The Lions, fresh from a 24-21 second Test victory over the All Blacks in Wellington, have now decamped to the Southern Alps’ tourist hot-spot of Queenstown for a few days’ rest and recuperation.