South Africa lock Bakkies Botha will face a judicial hearing on Sunday after he headbutted All Blacks scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan during their Tri-Nations opener at Eden Park on Saturday.
The incident, in the second minute of the match, was not seen by referee Alan Lewis or his assistants, although it was replayed several times on television and the screens at the ground.
New Zealand won the game 32-12.
Botha was cited for dangerous play after the match by Sanzar citing commissioner Scott Nowland, the competition’s ruling body said in a statement, and he will appear at a hearing before judicial officer Dennis Wheelahan in Auckland on Sunday.
Cowan had pulled Botha’s jersey as they both ran back for a loose ball. Botha tackled the scrumhalf, who cleared the ball to a supporting player.
Television replays showed Botha appearing to pause after completing the tackle before launching himself at Cowan, striking the back of his head.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry was visibly angry about the incident when asked for his reaction.
“Same as yours, really, the same as everybody in this room,” he told reporters. “You don’t need me to comment.
“I’m sure you’ve got plenty to talk about with those sort of things in the game, so go to it.”
Botha was yellow carded in the 13th minute for persistent infringing as the Springboks mounted a desperate goal-line defence with the hosts pushing for a try.
The Springboks face New Zealand again in the second match of the Tri-Nations next Saturday in Wellington.
They then head to Brisbane for a clash with Australia on July 24. Their next fixture is not until August 21. – Reuters