The Hurricanes will lose the services of Vaea Fifita for three weeks, after the All Blacks forward was suspended for a dangerous tackle.
The ban means the lock/flanker will miss the side's quarterfinal later this month.
Fifita was red-carded late against the Sharks on the weekend for a no-arms, neck-high shot on number eight Daniel du Preez.
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Hurricanes coach John Plumtree hoped Fifita would avoid further punishment, describing the tackle as no more than a yellow-card offence.
"I questioned that it had force," Plumtree said afterwards. "For me, it looked like a swinging arm.
"He didn't quite get the height right in the tackle, but I certainly questioned the force. That's what the discussions were about."
But the Sanzaar judiciary decided otherwise, deeming the act of foul play merited a red card and a mid-range suspension.
Chairperson Helen Morgan ruled: "Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Judicial Committee upheld the red card under Law 9.13."
The Hurricanes have two regular-season games remaining against the Lions on Sunday morning (NZT), followed by a visit to the capital from the Blues.
The Hurricanes remain an outside chance to top the New Zealand conference with two victories, but need the Crusaders to lose their final two matches.
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