Henshaw to miss clash with Aussies but Cane escapes ban

The New Zealand player whose tackle left Robbie Henshaw unconscious in last weekend's international has avoided any disciplinary sanction.

As a result of the injury Henshaw sustained against the All Blacks, the Athlone man will miss Ireland's final international of 2016 against Australia at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm).

New Zealand flanker Sam Cane was called before a disciplinary hearing yesterday (Tuesday), but his high tackle on Henshaw was deemed accidental and he has escaped disciplinary punishment. During the game Cane's tackle only led to a penalty for Ireland but the incident was one of 12 citing referrals, 11 of which related to New Zealand players.

Cane's shoulder made contact with Henshaw's jaw in what looked a dangerously high tackle, leading to the Ireland centre being stretchered off, with Garry Ringrose introduced as his replacement.

Though Cane avoided a suspension, his teammate Malakai Fekitoa has been handed a one-week suspension for his high tackle on Ireland's Simon Zebo during New Zealand's 21-9 win in Dublin.

Henshaw scored a famous try which sealed the historic win over New Zealand in Chicago earlier this month, Ireland's first ever victory over the All Blacks.

But the Leinster player will now miss the clash against Australia as Ireland try to complete a clean sleep of victories over the Southern Hemisphere's traditional big three rugby powers.

Ireland defeated South Africa during their summer tour and after that landmark win over the All Blacks, Joe Schmidt's charges are now chasing a calendar year hat-trick against Southern Hemisphere teams.

Jonathan Sexton will also miss the clash against Australia due to a hamstring injury.

Ireland team manager Michael Kearney said: 'Robbie Henshaw was knocked unconscious by a shoulder contact to his jaw. He suffered a concussion and will not be involved this week. Johnny Sexton has suffered a minor hamstring injury and has been ruled out of the game at the weekend.'

'Rob Kearney developed concussive symptoms after the game and following assessment. He will follow the graduated return-to-play protocols. CJ Stander was removed for a suspected concussion and will complete the HIA (head injury assessment) process and the return-to-play protocols,' added Michael, whose tenure as Ireland manager will end this weekend.