Blues loose forward Steven Luatua has been suspended for a dangerous tackle on Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick to become the second player to cop a three-week suspension from Saturday’s Super Rugby match at New Zealand’s North Harbour Stadium.

Luatua’s suspension mirrors that of Chiefs winger Maritino Nemani, who will also sit out the next three weeks after admitting a dangerous tackle on Blues’ opposite Rene Ranger.

However, Luatua and Nemani won’t miss any Super Rugby matches as the suspensions coincide with the three-week Super Rugby recess to accommodate Test matches during the season.

Nemani’s tackle came just two minutes after Luatua’s in the match won 41-34 by the competition-leading Chiefs.

SANZAR judicial officer Mike Heron sidelined Nemani and Luatua from all forms of the game until after June 23.

In both cases, Heron said the offences – found to be mid-range – had a starting sanction of six weeks which was reduced after early guilty pleas, both players’ previous clean record and their remorse.

On Monday, Heron insisted Nemani’s penalty was a “meaningful suspension”.