In all likelihood Greyling will also have to pay up in terms of team disciplinary protocols.

Greyling was banned by Sanzar for two weeks up to and including September 30.

It is understood that the Springboks have internal team protocols which dictate that players pay up when on the receiving end of yellow or red cards. The figures are purportedly hefty.

The ban and the fine would have added to Greyling's misery.

He replaced Tendai Mtawarira in the 50th minute and proceeded to concede four penalties, which included the yellow card.

He also missed Aaron Smith as the All Blacks scrumhalf scooted over for what turned out to be a result-determining try.

"Greyling, while in the process of cleaning out at a ruck, recklessly used his forearm such that he made contact in a dangerous way with the head of New Zealand player Richie McCaw," commented Paul Tully, Sanzar judicial officer.

"Although there was no injury complained of, the action had potential to cause serious injury. The player was issued with a yellow card. He was subsequently cited and pleaded guilty to a breach of the law."

After the match Bok coach Heyneke Meyer also took a dim view of the incident: "I'm very big on discipline and it was unacceptable and cost us the game as well," said Meyer. "I want to apologise to Richie [McCaw] and we will deal with it in house. We are a team that prides itself on discipline and you can't afford these things."

Meyer had to front to questions about why he ejected, with such devastating consequences, the experienced Mtawarira for Greyling as early as the 50th minute.

"Beast has played every single game this year and he has been tired, and I thought fresh legs would help at that stage because it was a high-paced game."