Adam Thomson is cited over Alasdair Strokosch stamping

Published on 13/11/2012 00:00

New Zealand flanker Adam Thomson has been cited for stamping on Scotland forward Alasdair Strokosch during Sunday’s Test match at Murrayfield.

Thomson was sent to the sin-bin by referee Jerome Garces on advice from touch judge Simon McDowell.

Television replays showed that Thomson brought his 
boot down on Strokosch’s head, suggesting he was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card.

New Zealand cruised to a 51-22 victory, but Thomson now faces a ban that could rule him out of the world champions’ remaining autumn Tests against Italy next Saturday, followed by Wales and then England. Asked after the game if it should have been a straight red card awarded to Thomson, Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: “You would think so.”

If he is suspended, then it is likely that Thomson could be sidelined for anything between three and eight weeks.

Australia lock Rob Simmons, meanwhile, will also appear before an independent IRB judicial officer tomorrow. He was cited by South African Freek Burger for a dangerous “tip” tackle on France flanker Yannick Nyanga midway through the second-half of Australia’s 33-6 defeat against Les Bleus in Paris on Saturday. Australia face England at Twickenham next Saturday.

Scotland, meanwhile, will reshuffle their back row with flanker Ross Rennie facing an operation after dislocating a shoulder in the defeat to New Zealand. Coach Andy Robinson could stick with Kelly Brown at openside, David Denton at No 8 and Alsdair Strokosch at blindside, in the roles they finished Sunday’s game, or bring in 
Glasgow specialist seven John Barclay.