Sharks skipper Bismarck du Plessis has been banned for four weeks after pleading guilty to striking a Super Rugby opponent in the face with his boot.

The 30-year-old Springboks hooker was red-carded after 18 minutes of a 12-11 victory by the South Africans over the Chiefs in Durban on Saturday.

Chiefs hooker Hikawera Elliot, sent off two minutes earlier for striking an opponent with his shoulder, also pleaded guilty and got a one-week suspension.

But the third player red-carded in the fiery match, Sharks centre Francois Steyn, has appealed against his dismissal for a dangerous tackle and the case will be heard on Monday.

Chiefs skipper and flanker Liam Messam was cited after the match for alleged foul play and his fate will be decided on Tuesday.