Motu Matu’u

He was sent off by referee Jack Makepeace in the 71st minute of the match at Sandy Park.

This was for a dangerous tackle on Ian Whitten, contrary to World Rugby law 9.13. Matu’u accepted the charge and was given a six-week suspension by the independent disciplinary panel comprising Mike Hamlin (chair) with Matthew O’Grady and Mitch Read. He is free to play again on March 29.

The independent disciplinary panel said: “The player admitted the foul play and that the offending merited a red card. He did not challenge the referee’s report or decision.

The 30-year-old wrote on Instagram: “Injuries are all part and parcel of being a rugby player but a setback is always a setup for a bigger comeback.

“Gutted I don’t get the chance to play for my county this time round but wishing all the boys and management all the very best as the (sic) prepare for a very big campaign a head (sic).”

Samoa kick off their schedule against New Zealand at Eden Park on Friday, June 16 and also face Wales before two World Cup qualifying matches against Tonga and Fiji in July.