The Wallabies have lodged an appeal against lock Rob Simmons’ eight-week ban for a lifting tackle in Australia’s loss to France 12 days ago.

The news comes as the International Rugby Board announced it would review the disciplinary process that led to New Zealand flanker Adam Thomson’s one-game ban for a stamp on the head of Scotland’s Alasdair Strokosch a day before the Simmons tackle.

An appeal was submitted with the Six Nations Committee on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT) over the severity of the ban for a lifting or `tip’ tackle on French flanker Yannick Nyanga in Paris on November 10.

It’s understood the Wallabies are furious the tackle was graded at the high end of the scale and don’t believe it was a `tip’ tackle.

The date of the appeal hearing is yet to be confirmed but it’s expected to take place next week in Wales, where Australia play the final game of their European tour.

Simmons’ ban is for eight active weeks so he is not free to play until February 24.

All Black Thomson’s lenient treatment was handed out by the same Six Nations committee that dealt with Simmons.