DUBLIN (AP) Ireland will be without backs Robbie Henshaw and Jonathan Sexton for its last autumn rugby test against Australia at Lansdowne Road this weekend.
Henshaw was concussed during the 21-9 home loss to New Zealand last Saturday, while Sexton hurt his hamstring.
Henshaw was unconscious before he hit the ground after a shoulder hit to the jaw, Ireland manager Mike Kearney said on Monday. All Blacks flanker Sam Cane was penalized at the time, but faces a disciplinary hearing after being cited for a dangerous tackle.
Also to appear in a hearing was All Blacks center Malakai Fekitoa, who was yellow-carded for a high tackle on Simon Zebo. Fekitoa, who scored two tries in the match, was cited for a dangerous tackle.
Kearney said the citing officer raised 12 incidents from the match, 11 committed by New Zealand.
''The one that referred to us was a clean-out of Sam Cane at a ruck, and we were cleared of any foul play in that incident,'' Kearney said.
''It is disappointing, to be honest. There were a number of tackles and bangs around the head.''
World Rugby issued a reminder to referees on Nov. 11 to be strict against tackles and strikes above the shoulders, and to punish offenders severely.
''World Rugby had said if these incidents occur then you are liable to a red card, possibly,'' Kearney said. ''So that obviously didn't happen at the weekend.''
Sexton could return to action in two weeks, while flanker CJ Stander and fullback Rob Kearney must undergo concussion protocols. Zebo suffered from cramp but was expected to be able to train on Thursday.
