The Six Nations disciplinary committee whacked the huge fine on Maestri for his comments following the controversial France v Wales game in Paris that ran for almost 100 minutes.

Maestri's comments came after the extraordinary 100-minute clash eventually ended in a French victory.

The match finished with an overtime period that featured nine five-metre scrums for France.

France finally crossed for a try to back rower Damian Chouly with Camille Lopez converting for a 20-18 win, but Maestri was adamant France should have been awarded a penalty try before that, and turned the heat on Barnes after the match.

"He [Barnes] told us we were not dominant enough," Maestri alleged.

"Anglo-Saxon referees always talk about fair play, but the reality is that they think we're cheats. When you are repeatedly crushed in a five-metre scrum, you concede defeat.

"There's a complicity between Anglo Saxons and it is in these moments that you realise it. It was unbelievable."

At the disciplinary hearing on Thursday (AEDT) Maestri accepted that he had committed an act of misconduct and openly apologised for making the comments.

The 29-year-old lock was ordered to pay half of the fine within 30 days, and the other half was suspended until the end of the 2017/18 season.

The Disciplinary Committee, which viewed media articles featuring the comments, also ordered Maestri to pay Six Nations' legal costs.

France were still being investigated for the controversial substitution of Uini Atonio in the match.

No French player faced charges for the alleged bite on Wales back George North because there wasn't enough evidence to determine a guilty individual.

Stuff.co.nz