New Zealand are set to appeal Keven Mealamu citing
New Zealand will appeal the four-week ban against hooker Keven Mealamu after he was found guilty of striking England captain Lewis Moody with his head in their 16-26 win at Twickenham on Saturday 6 November.
Mealamu looks set to miss the rest of New Zealand’s tour after it appeared that he grabbed Moody’s shirt and struck the back of Moody’s head with his own, while clearing out at a ruck.
New Zealand assistant coach Steve Hansen defended the hooker and told the press, "He is not a dirty player, he never has been. This is a case we'll go to the death. Everyone knows it's not in his nature to do that and everyone knows if Kevvy says he didn't
do it, he didn't do it."
Citing Commissioner John West was in charge of the match at Twickenham and he cited the player for the incident.
IRB judicial officer, Lorne Crerar judged the case and found Mealamu guilty. The player will now miss the games against Scotland, Ireland and Wales unless he wins his appeal.
After Mealamu was handed the ban, he said, "I'm gutted to be honest, really disappointed. I don't feel the outcome shows what sort of person I am. I do take it personally. I'm not that sort of person."
The New Zealand coach Graham Henry is now likely to choose to play Andrew h**e who has not played competitive rugby since picking up an injury in the summer.
Graham Henry also defended his player saying: "He's been cited for striking the head. It surprises me. He's probably the cleanest player in the world, isn't he? It was purely accidental as far as I know."
New Zealand is likely to miss the All Black hooker who has been in great form for the All Blacks in their match against England.
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