All Blacks: Woodcock Dublin-bound to face judiciary

Rory Best of Ireland battles with Tony Woodcock for possesion in a lineout in Sunday morning's game. Photo / Getty Images

LIMERICK - The All Blacks survived one close shave last night - now they are hoping to clear another obstacle as focus turns to the third leg of their Grand Slam bid in Cardiff this weekend.

Prop Tony Woodcock watched New Zealand's dramatic 18-16 defeat of Munster from the stands at Thomond Park Stadium and team management are hoping the premier loosehead will be closer to the action when New Zealand play Wales at Millennium Stadium on Saturday night (6.15am Sun NZT).

Woodcock was to face an International Rugby Board (IRB) judicial hearing in Dublin later today after being cited for punching Irish hooker Rory Best two minutes into the second half of the All Blacks' 22-3 win at Croke Park last weekend.

The 47-test veteran was penalised and sinbinned for the offence but it was deemed serious enough to warrant an investigation by Scottish IRB judicial officer Professor Lorne Crerar.

Possibly working in Woodcock's favour is the fact the incident was dealt with at the time by South African referee Mark Lawrence.

It is rare for a player to be cited unless the offence was at the serious end of the scale - and Best's ability to play on suggests that was not the case.

"I'm reasonably comfortable with what'll happen," said All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen.

"We've just got to go to Dublin and try and get a fair hearing."

Woodcock remains an integral part of the All Blacks' first choice front row for the remaining tests against the Six Nations champions - and England at Twickenham on November 29.

Southland's Jamie Mackintosh filled Woodcock's role against Munster - as he did when making his test debut against Scotland on November 8 - but the North Harbour farmer is obviously superior.

Even if Woodcock does beat the rap, he is still in doubt after suffering a lower back injury during the 22-3 win over Ireland though head coach Graham Henry said the front rower was positive about being fit for selection.

Meanwhile, Ireland flanker Alan Quinlan also faces a hearing after being charged with stamping All Blacks No 8 Rodney So'oialo.

- NZPA