SANZAR clear Mitchell of suspension

Australia winger Drew Mitchell has escaped suspension for his sending-off in yesterday's Bledisloe Cup loss against New Zealand at Etihad Stadium.

The 26-year-old was ordered from the field in the 43rd minute by referee Craig Joubert after being issued with a second yellow card.

Mitchell had earlier been sin-binned for a late, no-arms tackle on All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

He was then shown a red card in the third minute of the second half when he slowed down play by knocking the ball from full-back Mils Muliaina's hands as he gestured to take a quick throw-in.

SANZAR's judicial hearing today in Melbourne found the sending-off was a sufficient penalty and further punishment was not warranted.