Sonny Bill Williams handed four-week ban

New Zealand have been dealt a major blow ahead of the series decider against British and Irish Lions after Sonny Bill Williams has been handed a six-week ban following his red card incident in the second game in Wellington.

The incident happened during the 25th minute of the game after the 31-year-old was sent off following a shoulder charge on Lions' Anthony Watson.

Despite, being down to 14 men, New Zealand showed tremendous spirit and had control of the game before Conor Murray's touchdown in the 68th minute followed by a conversion and a penalty from Owen Farrell's sealed a thrilling three point win for the visitors.

Williams attended a hearing on Sunday in Wellington before a three-man judiciary panel and expressed his disappointment on the outcome later on.

"Really disappointed, but happy with being able to get in there and say my piece," Williams tweeted.

"They've come to the conclusion that it was reckless, it wasn't intentional.

"I've got in contact with Anthony, and I've apologised to him.

"...but very disappointed that I was sent from the field last night and let my brothers down."

Williams also became the first All Blacks player in 50 years and third overall to be sent-off during a Test match.

Meanwhile, New Zealand have called up centre Malakai Fekitoa to their squad ahead of the third and final decider against the Lions to be played in Auckland on Saturday.