Melbourne Rebels centre Ray Nu'u has been suspended for three games following his red card incident during the game against Western Force played last Friday.
Highlanders scored four second half tries as they went on to beat Melbourne Rebels 42-27 in the third round of Super Rugby Trans Tasman at Leichhardt Oval.
The third round of the Super Rugby Trans Tasman clash between Highlanders and Melbourne Rebels to be played in Queensland Town on Sunday has been shifted to Sydney.
Australia international Dane Haylett-Petty's chances of returning to playing has taken another major setback with his concussion symptoms returning ahead of the Trans-Tasman series.
Wallabies back-row Rob Valetini has committed his immediate future with Rugby Australia and Melbourne Rebels after signing a new deal at least until the end of 2023.