Keven Mealamu is expected to return to the New Zealand team
Keven Mealamu is expected to be named at hooker as he returns from a suspension. The forward is available to play in New Zealand’s Test match with Wales on Saturday 27 November.
Mealamu served a two-week ban after he was found guilty of head-butting England captain Lewis Moody in the All Blacks 26-16 win at Twickenham.
The hooker was initially given a four-week ban, but an appeal by New Zealand meant the suspension was cut to two weeks, after a disciplinary commission found that the player was not guilty of striking Moody on purpose.
Speaking to the press, Mealamu admitted that he was delighted with the reduction of the suspension and that his tackle at the breakdown was over zealous. “When the ban was cut to two weeks I was stoked — it was nothing to do with the head, it was reckless
and I could have hurt him, but that can happen to any player in the clean-out position as so many players are down there,” said Mealamu.
The experienced hooker stated that the situation had been trying, but he also highlighted the positives from the ban. The suspension will mean that Mealamu will be fresh for the match against Wales. “I definitely think there is nothing worse than being suspended.
I have had good support from the team and from my family at home and that has been really important to me. You try and draw the positives from these things and it has given me a chance to prepare well for Saturday and get the best out of the situation,” said
the hooker.
New Zealand will win a grand slam over the home nations if they can beat Wales. The Welsh had a disastrous 16-16 draw with Fiji at the weekend and the All Blacks will be massive favourites ahead of the match.
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