Jonathan Davies (right) of Wales spills the ball under the
challenge of Andrew Hore of New Zealand during the
International match between Wales and New Zealand at the
Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Photo by Getty
Another long week entangled with the judiciary looms for
the All Blacks with Andrew Hore certain to be cited for what
looked like a swinging arm thrown at Welsh lock Bradley Davies.
Not even one minute into the game and Hore clobbered Davies
when the big lock strayed in front of him at a breakdown.
Davies had no idea it was coming - the attack arriving from
behind and he left the field dazed, a condition he sustained
until well after the game.
It might have just been clumsy from Hore, an attempt to hook
Davies out of the way. But good luck convincing any judicial
officer of that. It didn't really look clumsy or accidental.
Only Hore will know what he was really up to but multiple
replays only confirm the impression there was intent and
purpose.
"To be honest, all we have seen is the one replay of it and
he looks like he is going into cleanout the Welshman in front
of him. He looked like he went to get him out of the way and
clearly something has happened during that," said All Blacks
coach Steve Hansen.
"Until I see it properly I can't really say ... but it is
unfortunate it has happened."
Davies, who two years ago on the same ground, was legally
pole-axed by a thunderous Jerome Kaino hit, was helped off
and looked shaken by the impact. "We are taking him to
hospital, he doesn't know exactly where he is right now,"
confirmed Wales coach Warren Gatland.
"It didn't look great. From the initial look at the video,
Bradley's been hit from behind and he's gone down. That's
something the citing commissioner can have a look at, but I
haven't had a good look at it. I'll be disappointed [if it
was foul play] because he's a key player for us. He's not in
great shape at the moment but fingers crossed it's not too
bad."
Referee Craig Joubert told Wales captain Sam Warburton that
none of the officials had seen the incident and he was
therefore unable to take any action at the time. But the All
Blacks are braced for a citing and a hearing - something they
had hoped to have seen the last of following a two-week saga
with Adam Thomson.
Now their preparations for the England test will be disrupted
by not knowing the availability of Hore until the findings of
the hearing. The problem is compounded by the injury to Keven
Mealamu whose calf stiffened in Rome making him questionable
for Twickenham.
Hansen said they would most likely put a hooker on standby -
probably Hika Elliot who they were hoping is still in the UK
having played for the Maori in Oxford 24 hours earlier.
- Gregor Paul, Herald on Sunday
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.