All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen has declared the New Zealand Rugby Union will continue an unlikely bid to restore the reputation of hooker Keven Mealamu.
Mealamu’s battle to clear his name after being found guilty of head-butting England captain Lewis Moody in the Twickenham test last weekend resumes, possibly on Friday, when the NZRU attempt to overturn the four-week ban imposed by International Rugby Board judicial officer Professor Lorne Crerar last night.
Hansen was in a bullish mood when confirming the punishment would be appealed – he would not specify the basis of the challenge but renewed a spirited defence of the 82-test veteran.
“This is a case we’ll go to the death on, he deserves that support.
“We’re defending a guy whose character has been questioned and it shouldn’t be.
“He’s not a dirty player, he never has been.”
Mealamu was charged by IRB’s citing officer John West after the Irishman reviewed footage of Mealamu colliding with Moody at a ruck during the 50th minute of the All Blacks 26-16 victory.
Although the camera angles of some replays appear damning All Blacks management insist Mealamu’s actions were unintentional, out of character, and it was his shoulder – not forehead — that impacted on England’s openside flanker.
Professor Crerar was not convinced after a two-hour hearing in Glasgow; Hansen hoped a three-member judicial panel would take a different view.
“We’ll present a similar case but what I’m confident about is there’ll be three people judging it rather than one,” he said.
Crerar, who banned Tony Woodcock for a week during the 2008 Grand Slam tour after the prop was deemed guilty of punching an Irish opponent, is no longer involved in the judicial process.
Mealamu expressed his disappointment with his suspension last night. Hansen, captain Richie McCaw and his teammates shared those sentiments.
“If Kevvy said he didn’t do it, he didn’t do it,” Hansen said.
“The guys were gutted because he can’t play and more importantly they were gutted for Kevvy because of the man he is.
“Everyone knows it’s not in his nature to do that.”
Mealamu initially faced an eight-week stand down but it was halved due to the 31-year-old’s “exemplary” disciplinary record.
If the ban is rescinded there was no guarantee Mealamu would be selected to play Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday (NZT) given the distractions he has been subjected to since arriving in Edinburgh.
Jerry
Guest
It can happen, I believe.
Lee
Guest
A question: Mealamus ban was shortened to 4 weeks for a good record, being an AB etc etc If he fails on appeal, is it possible that the ban will be increased? i.e the new judiciary find him guilty but think th eoriginal ban was too light? Can thi shappen?
Cattledog
Guest
As a Wallaby supporter, I have admired and respected KM for many years and haven't seen him do anything untoward at any time. I would certainly say this was out of character but it did look a little damning on the video I saw. However, if KM is going to be sighted for that and get the sentence he did, certainly the England 16 should be sighted for the McCaw incident. I agree that there's considerable inconsistency if this doesn't occur, which it certainly won't now. I'm sure, however, Elliot will step up to the mark admirably in KMs absence.
Vaughan
Guest
I don't know why us Kiwis are bleating on about this. I see this in a positive light. Mealamu will be definitely gone for this test which means the door will be open for the young Hikawera Elliot. The most powerful hooker I have seen in NZ for years and one which Sean Fitzpatrick rates highly. He is big as well as skillfull. He is also a martial arts champion and has been to the Karate world championships. Like we say in NZ. Its no loss if we lose a player in rugby union as another one is waiting in the ranks. Go the mighty ABs!!
Jerry
Guest
No, it's true - they did get away with murder. RIP Drew Mitchell, you will be sorely missed.
Ash
Guest
Sorry if the tone offended you. I'm just sick of all the claims against other countries - judiciary, media, commentators etc but then cry foul when the shoe's on the other foot. Shows like Re-union and other media are at it constantly. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Taniwha
Guest
Agreed, I love the AB's and respect Mealamu as a great player, and a clean player. I would never expect him to do something like this but the footage doesn't really lie. Suck it up and move on. It's embarrassing as a Kiwi that they are appealing something pretty obvious, especially when all previous behavior has been taken into account and he's been given a light sentence. Use it as an opportunity to get some young blokes up through the ranks...
Ralph
Guest
Got away with Murder? -- so say you. I live in NZ and you sure don't speak for me. And if Karma is true you might want to moderate the judgmental tone.
Ash
Guest
Wow what a bunch of bleaters! The AB's got away with murder during the Tri-Nations and now karma has struck. Why to people here in NZ think that the AB's are above everyone else? Take your punishment on the chin and get on with it. It's also coming from the media here as well. Take the blinkers off boys! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.