Wales captain Sam Warburton has been handed a three-week ban for his dangerous tackle on France winger Vincent Clerc on Saturday.
Irish referee Alain Rolland acted immediately to red card Warburton after the flanker lifted and dumped Clerc in the 18th minute of the semi-final at Eden Park.
And independent judicial officer, Christopher Quinlan QC (England), determined Rolland's actions to be appropriate in law and the action in line with IRB directives which states that such tackles "must be dealt with severely by referees and those involved in the off-field disciplinary process".
However Quinlan did take into account that "there were no aggravating features and there were compelling on-field and/or off-field mitigating features" to hand out a reduced sentence - with the offence having an entry point of six weeks.
With France going on to win 9-8 and reach the final, Warburton will now miss Friday's third-placed play-off and be free to play again on November 7.
WRU chief executive Roger Lewis said: "We are disappointed with the decision to suspend Wales captain Sam Warburton from the game for three weeks, following his red card dismissal in the Rugby World Cup semi-final against France in Auckland.
"The WRU respects the process which has been followed and understands the disciplinary procedures in place.
"Our focus in now totally upon the, forthcoming, third place play-off international, which will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday.
"The WRU further wishes to state its unequivocal support for Sam Warburton as a role model and exemplary captain who has led Wales to formidable success in the competition so far."
Warburton added: "I am naturally disappointed with the outcome, but now my job is to focus entirely on supporting the boys in their preparations for Friday's match."