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Aki out of All Blacks Test as Ireland opt not to appeal ban

Tokyo - Ireland opted not to appeal Bundee Aki's three-match ban for a high tackle on Thursday, confirming he will miss this weekend's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand.

Kick-off is at 12:15 SA time.

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"The Ireland management will not appeal the sanction handed down to Bundee," the Irish Rugby Football Union said in a statement.

"We are disappointed with the outcome and believe that Bundee's time will be best served helping prepare the squad for its remaining RWC19 fixtures."

Aki was shown a red card after his shoulder crashed into the head of Samoa flyhalf Ulupano Seuteni during Ireland's 47-5 win in their final Pool A match.

Aki, who has Samoan roots, had even received support from the Samoa team which urged the judicial panel to "see some sense" and spare him a ban.

Ireland added that hooker Sean Cronin had been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after he "aggravated a pre-existing neck muscle complaint".

He has been replaced by Ulster's South African-born Rob Herring.

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