Carter banned for Italy clash

New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter was handed a one-week suspension for his high tackle on Wales scrum-half Martin Roberts at a disciplinary hearing in London today.

Carter was cited after the All Blacks' 19-12 win over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday and appeared before International Rugby Board judicial officer Jeff Blackett.

Carter has declined the opportunity to appeal and will be free to resume playing on November 17. The ban means the mercurial Carter will miss this weekend’s clash against Italy but will be available for the following weekend’s encounter at Twickenham where the All Blacks face Martin Johnson’s England side.

It was Carter's first judiciary appearance in his glittering professional career with the Crusaders and All Blacks but the All Blacks camp now fear his ban has set a dangerous precedent.

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith said: "All I'd say is that there needs to be some consistency here and make sure that similar offences get cited in the future.”

Carter became the third All Black to be suspended on the current tour, after winger Sitiveni Sivivatu (dangerous tackle) and prop Tony Woodcock (striking) got one-match bans after the Tokyo test against the Wallabies.