In the latest twist following Ireland's heated and highly controversial meeting with the All Blacks, a New Zealand media outlet is claiming that World Rugby referees chief Alain Rolland spoke to Steve Hansen to apologise for Aaron Smith's yellow card.

The fallout from the bruising encounter and the performance of referee Jaco Peyper continues.

Smith was livid when he received his yellow card in the first half of the Kiwi's 21-9 win at the Aviva and Irishman Roland has reportedly told the All Blacks head coach that it never should have happened, according to stuff.co.nz.

The All Black scrum half was sent to the stands after taking Conor Murray out at the base of a ruck during the 16th minute.

When sending Smith to the bin, Peyper said: "It's the second time in a row at the breakdown where you swallowed the nine."

The citing commissioner reviewed 12 incidents from the game and 11 of them referred to the world champions.

Sam Cane and Malakai Fekitoa were cited with the former being cleared because his action were deemed 'accidental' and the latter was given a one-week ban.

News that Rolland made contact with Hansen to apologise over a decision will surely annoy Irish rugby fans who are still miffed over Peyper's performance last weekend.

The Kiwis were penalised 14 times to Ireland's four in the game.

Online Editors