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TOULOUSE - New Zealand will have its first run-in with the rugby World Cup judiciary after No 8 Sione Lauaki was cited for an alleged dangerous tackle during last night pool match against Romania here.
The International Rugby Board (IRB) this morning announced Lauaki had been been pinpointed by match citing commissioner John West, a former Irish referee, over a tackle on winger Gabriel Brezoianu during the 85-8 win at Le Stadium.
The IRB said in a brief statement that Lauaki, 26, and team management had been informed and that a disciplinary hearing was expected to take place in Paris on Monday.
Tongan-born Lauaki's involvement in this weekend's quarterfinal at Cardiff is now under threat.
He was a strong prospect to be named on the reserve bench, with his powerful running game against Romania yesterday underlining his value as an impact player.
Lauaki, who was a late inclusion in New Zealand's World Cup squad, is one of just six players to have been involved in all four pool matches.
He played the full 80 minutes yesterday and against Portugal, and came off the bench in the second half against Italy and Scotland.
- NZPA
