Anzac duo cited after opening November Tests

LONDON (AFP) –

Australia’s Rob Simmons, pictured in 2011, and New Zealand’s Adam Thomson could both miss the remainder of their respective countries’ European Test tours after being cited for disciplinary offences, the Six Nations committee said in a statement on Monday.

Australia’s Rob Simmons and New Zealand’s Adam Thomson could both miss the remainder of their respective countries’ European Test tours after being cited for disciplinary offences, the Six Nations committee said in a statement on Monday.

Simmons, Australia’s replacement lock forward, was cited by Freek Burger of South Africa for a dangerous ‘tip’ tackle under Law 10.4 (j) on France’s Yannick Nyanga after 25 minutes of the second half of the Wallabies’ 33-6 defeat at the Stade de France on Saturday.

During the course of that match, Welsh referee Nigel Owens was heard apologising to the France team for the officials’ failure to issue a red card for the challenge on Nyanga as they could not identify tackler Simmons.

Meanwhile All Blacks blindside flanker Thomson was cited by Murray Whyte of Ireland for stamping or trampling under Law 10.4 (b) on Scotland loose forward Alasdair Strokosch during the second half of New Zealand’s 51-22 victory at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Hearings for both Simmons and Thomson will be held before independent International Rugby Board-appointed judicial officers in London on Wednesday.

World champions New Zealand continue their tour against Italy on Saturday when Australia face England at Twickenham.