Joe Moody has been suspended for two games after pleading guilty to striking Kurtley Beale in Christchurch.

The incident took place in the 34th minute of Saturday’s match when the Crusaders were trailing the Waratahs 29-0. It was not picked up by the match officials.

The hosts scored their first try soon afterwards, which sparked a comeback that resulted in a 31-29 win.

Sanzaar foul play review committee chairman Nigel Hampton said the strike merited a mid-range entry point of four weeks due to the dangerous contact with the opposing player’s head. However, taking into account Moody’s ‘excellent’ judicial record, good character and early guilty plea, the suspension was reduced to two weeks.

Moody will miss the Crusaders’ matches against the Blues and Hurricanes, but will return to face the Chiefs.

He will therefore be available for All Blacks selection ahead of their Test series against France.

WATCH: Highlights of Crusaders vs Waratahs