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.