Moody denies he provoked Mealamu

ENGLAND captain Lewis Moody has denied provoking Keven Mealamu into launching a flying head-butt at him during last weekend’s Test at Twickenham.

Unsubstantiated internet rumours, referenced in some sections of the New Zealand press, claimed Moody had made insulting comments about Mealamu’s family in the build-up to the incident.

Mealamu was banned for four weeks for striking Moody but the All Blacks have lodged an appeal, which will be heard in Edinburgh today.

Moody, who required treatment after being struck on the back of the head, categorically denies doing anything provocative.

“Absolutely nothing. I certainly didn’t say anything,” Moody insisted.

New Zealand were enraged by Mealamu’s suspension and yesterday named him in the team to face Scotland, having vowed they would fight “to the death” to clear his name.

“We were always intending to play him and we hope we can,” said head coach Graham Henry.

Moody will lead England into battle against Australia tomorrow, demanding his men prove their summer victory over the Wallabies was not a one-off.

Hooker Stephen Moore has returned to the Australia line-up, having overcome the back injury which kept him out of last week’s 25-16 win over Wales, and his inclusion is the only change made by coach Robbie Deans.

Elsewhere, teenage sensation George North — a player dubbed the Welsh Jonah Lomu — will be unleashed on Test match rugby tomorrow. The juggernaut Scarlets wing, all 6ft 4in and 16 stone 7lbs of him, is set to line up against world champions South Africa and mark Springboks speed machine Bryan Habana.

North, who turned 18 seven months ago, yesterday recalled his selection, saying: “I was shocked, it took my breath away. Then it was over and all the boys came up to congratulate me — it was such an awesome moment.”

South Africa speedster Bryan Habana is ready for the greater physical threat North will offer compared to the dancing feet of the diminutive Williams.

“I had not heard that much about him,” he admitted.

“We have done some analysis on him this week and he is a big lad, over 100kgs I think, so he is a bit bigger than Shane!

“George has done well in the domestic leagues and I am sure he won’t be looking to stray too far away from what he has been doing on Saturday.”

Wales boss Gatland has also recalled fit-again full-back Lee Byrne, switched James Hook into midfield alongside Tom Shanklin and replaced injured flanker Sam Warburton with 96 times-capped Martyn Williams.

Ryan Jones, who has recovered from a calf muscle injury, and number eight Andy Powell — who has not played for Wales since the infamous golf buggy episode last season saw him kicked out of the squad — are both on the bench.