Brumbies wing cops 5-week ban for high tackle

Sydney - Brumbies winger Chance Peni was handed a five-week ban Tuesday after pleading guilty to making a dangerous tackle in his side's 21-8 loss to the Crusaders on Saturday.

Peni caught Crusaders back Israel Dagg with a high shot in the first half of the match, causing the All Black to fall awkwardly and aggravate a knee injury that had sidelined him for seven months.

SANZAAR's judiciary committee said Peni was initially facing a seven-week ban because of two previous suspensions for dangerous tackles.

"However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player's remorse shown on field and his pleading guilty at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to five weeks," it said.

The Brumbies have a bye next week, meaning Peni will only miss four matches before he can play again.

He will be forced to sit out fixtures against Melbourne Rebels, Lions, Bulls and the Sunwolves.