Ian Foster relieved after Scott Barrett cleared of further sanction

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen was a happy man after talisman Scott Barrett was cleared of any further sanction following his red card against South Africa.

The lock was shown a red card after his second yellow during the All Blacks record 35-7 defeat to the Springboks at Twickenham on Friday.

But after an independent judicial hearing, they committee deemed Barrett's send-off was sufficient sanction, leaving him available for the opening World Cup clash against France next week.

"It was a two-yellow [red] card... it was a technical red," reflected Foster, as per AFP.

"We had a fair hearing, like we always feel we do, and we came out with a great result. Scott is pretty important for us.

"You always hold your breath, but [the hearing] was nice, and particularly for Scott. He felt bad about the whole situation.

"It's not easy being red-carded and seeing the team concede three line-out maul tries in the second half in an area he takes a lot of pride in."

Barrett looks set to partner veteran Sam Whitelock as first-choice lock Brodie Retallick remains sidelined with a knee issue. Foster is also sweating on the availability of propr Tyrell Lomax, who required 30 stitches after a boot struck his leg.

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