Mealamu cited for alleged headbutt

Rugby: New Zealand’s Keven Mealamu has been cited for an alleged headbutt on England’s Lewis Moody during the All Blacks’ 26…

Rugby: New Zealand's Keven Mealamu has been cited for an alleged headbutt on England's Lewis Moody during the All Blacks' 26-16 win yesterday.

Television replays appeared to show the hooker diving into a ruck and making contact with the back of Moody’s head in an incident that left the England captain requiring treatment.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has described the clash as “purely accidental” even though he has yet to see footage of the incident.

"He's been cited for striking the head," said Henry after his team arrived in Edinburgh today. "It surprises me. He's probably the cleanest player in the world isn't he? It was purely accidental as far as I know."

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Mealamu, not the most popular player in Ireland following his role in the Brian O’Driscoll spear-tackle in 2005, can expect a tour-ending ban if found guilty.No date has been set for the hearing although it is likely to be held on Tuesday or Wednesday.