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New Zealand centre Sonny Bill Williams banned for first Australia Test

Sonny Bill Williams saw red for a shoulder charge on Anthony Watson
Image: Sonny Bill Williams was sent off for a shoulder charge on Anthony Watson

New Zealand centre Sonny Bill Williams will miss the first Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia through suspension.

Williams was banned for four matches by World Rugby after being sent off during the second test against the British and Irish Lions on July 1 for a dangerous shoulder charge on Lions winger Anthony Watson.

He missed the third Test of the Lions series, a Super Rugby match for the Auckland-based Blues and is due to sit out a match for his Counties-Manukau province against North Harbour.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen had hoped a further match involving the Counties team would be taken into consideration as part of Williams' suspension.

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But World Rugby has ruled the match is not "meaningful" and Williams' suspension will end on August 20 - the day after the Bledisloe Cup Test.

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