He was sent off by referee Jack Makepeace in the 71st minute of the match at Sandy Park.
This was for a dangerous tackle on Ian Whitten, contrary to World Rugby law 9.13. Matu’u accepted the charge and was given a six-week suspension by the independent disciplinary panel comprising Mike Hamlin (chair) with Matthew O’Grady and Mitch Read. He is free to play again on March 29.
The independent disciplinary panel said: “The player admitted the foul play and that the offending merited a red card. He did not challenge the referee’s report or decision.
