Ioane out for four

The Reds' personnel crisis has deepened ahead of its final Super 14 clash against Australian rivals the Waratahs after wing Digby Ioane was suspended for four matches on Monday night.

Ioane received the hefty ban after he pleaded guilty to committing a dangerous tackle against Crusader Casey Laulala during the 65th minute of the Reds' 21-27 loss in Brisbane on Saturday night.

The 22-year-old originally received a yellow card at the time of the offence.

The Queensland outfit will now take on the Waratahs without Ioane, Chris Latham (torn pectoral muscle), Hugh McMeniman (ankle), Greg Holmes (knee) and Sam Cordingley (calf) who are all injured.

The match is looming as an incredibly important one for the New South Wales team which must secure a victory as it attempts to host one of the two semi-finals.