New Zealand Rugby has confirmed that Blues captain Jerome Kaino will miss the team's Super Rugby season opener against the Highlanders at Eden Park on Friday.
Kaino was red-carded for punching Chiefs' prop Pauliasi Manu during their final pre-season fixture in Pukekohe.
Kaino lodged an early admission of the offence, and duty judicial officer Roger Drummond accepted Kaino's submission that his action was reckless and not intentional.
In his written decision, Drummond noted that Kaino had held a clean judicial record for more than 10 years and that he was remorseful and had apologised to Manu
The All Blacks flanker will be available for the Blues second-round match against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Newshub