RUGBY:ENGLAND CAPTAIN Lewis Moody yesterday vehemently denied provoking Keven Mealamu into launching a flying head-butt at him during last Saturday's Test at Twickenham.
Unsubstanciated internet rumours, referenced in some sections of the New Zealand press, claimed Moody had made insulting comments about Mealamu’s family in the build-up to the incident. Mealamu was banned for four weeks for striking Moody but the All Blacks have lodged an appeal, which will be heard in Edinburgh today.
Moody, who required treatment after being struck on the back of the head, categorically denies doing anything provocative.
“Absolutely nothing. I certainly didn’t say anything,” Moody insisted.
New Zealand were enraged by Mealamu’s suspension and yesterday named him in the team to face Scotland, having vowed they would fight “to the death” to clear the hooker’s name.
“We were always intending to play him and we hope we can,” said head coach Graham Henry.
“He’s a very important part of our team. He’s a top man, he’s got very high personal standards – he sees himself as a role model for young people.
“He’s a bit destroyed about what’s happened. Once the appeal is over, hopefully we’ll get a positive result and move on.”
The uncapped Hikawera Elliot was yesterday bracketed with Mealamu at hooker in Henry’s selection of the All Blacks 22 for the match at Murrayfield.
Henry has backed the 31-year-old Mealamu to perform if available. “I think it’s a tough ask, of course it is, but he’s a very experienced international footballer and has been around international rugby for a long time,” added Henry. “He has the strength of mind to be able to handle those things.”
Henry made four changes to his starting XV – five if Mealamu’s appeal is unsuccessful – meaning captain Richie McCaw and full-back Mils Muliaina will win their 92nd caps at Murrayfield, equalling Sean Fitzpatrick’s record.
“What they’ve achieved has been immense,” said Henry. “The All Blacks legacy and building on that legacy is a major objective for the All Black team, it always has been, and they’ve been involved in a highly-successful period in All Black rugby going back over a decade. They’ll be extremely proud. To be equalling Fitzy’s record – Fitzy was an icon of the game and these two are just as much – is the ultimate really.
“I guess there is a greater ultimate and that comes a week later and going forward, because both of them are very keen to be involved in the All Blacks for some time and add to that legacy.”
Fitzpatrick said: “I couldn’t think of two better people than Richie and Mils to beat my record. They are outstanding All Blacks, good leaders of men and for me it’s an honour to pass the baton on to those two.”
Henry has kept the nucleus of the team which beat England. Jimmy Cowan returns at scrumhalf after starting in the defeat to Australia two weeks ago, Liam Messam, who made his debut against Scotland two years ago, was named at flanker, Conrad Smith comes in at centre and Isaia Toeava on the right wing.
