Carter citing hearing re-fixed for today

DAN CARTER’S disciplinary hearing has been postponed until today, at the request of the New Zealand team management. The case will be heard in London.

The All Blacks fly-half was cited for a dangerous tackle on Wales scrum-half Martin Roberts during his side’s 19-12 victory at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Carter was due to appear before Judge Jeff Blackett, the International Rugby Board-appointed judicial officer for the match, at a hearing yesterday.

Carter escaped censure from referee Craig Joubert at the time but Wales head coach Warren Gatland and his assistant Shaun Edwards both believe the challenge deserved a yellow card.

If Blackett decides Carter deserves a ban it could threaten his participation against England at Twickenham on November 21.

The All Blacks are currently preparing for next Saturday’s Test with Italy at the San Siro stadium in Milan, a game Carter would probably have been rested for anyway.

New Zealand had two players – wing Sitiveni Sivivatu and prop Tony Woodcock – cited and suspended following the victory over Australia in Tokyo nine days ago, bans that meant they missed the Wales game.

Meanwhile, Scarlets flanker Dafydd Jones will miss Wales’ remaining autumn Tests after suffering a serious shoulder injury.

Jones, 30, was due to undergo surgery yesterday and may be sidelined for up to three months.

He picked up the injury after going on as a second-half substitute for Andy Powell during Wales’ 19-12 defeat by New Zealand in Cardiff.

Despite Wales having three more Tests this month – Millennium Stadium appointments with Samoa, Argentina and Australia – head coach Warren Gatland will not summon a squad replacement for 42 times-capped Jones.

He follows his Scarlets colleague, wing Mark Jones, out of the November series. Jones suffered a knee injury during training before the All Blacks clash and will not play again until next year.

“Dafydd sprung his A/C joint on Saturday,” said Wales team physiotherapist Mark Davies.

“The severity of the injury has led to him undergoing surgery. The prospects for recovery are good and we would anticipate him returning to play early in the new year.”