New Zealand face a nervous wait over Brodie Retallick’s participation for the rest of their end-of-year tour after he was cited for alleged foul play in Saturday’s Test against Japan in Tokyo.
The 31-year-old second-row was red carded for a dangerous clean-out on Brave Blossoms blindside flanker Kazuki Himeno in the 65th minute of the All Blacks’ narrow 38-31 victory.
World Rugby has confirmed that the 99-Test veteran will appear before an independent judicial committee on Tuesday. Retallick has been charged with an offence contrary to Law 9.20(a) (charging into a ruck or maul).
The independent disciplinary committee who will hear the matter is chaired by Wang Shao-Ing (Singapore). He is joined by ex-former international referee Donal Courtney (Ireland) and ex-Test player Leon Lloyd (England).
Defended by coach
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster defended Retallick when questioned about the incident.
“We are going to have a good look at it,” he told Sky Sports after the match. “I certainly didn’t see any intention, apart from trying to move a body. That’s a process we will have to go through.”
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However, punishments for similar offences have resulted in multiple week suspensions, which could mean that Retallick will not be available for selection for the All Blacks‘ upcoming internationals against Wales, Scotland and England.