All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick to face disciplinary hearing

New Zealand lock Brodie Retallick is set to face an independent disciplinary hearing following his red card incident in the recently concluded game against Japan in Tokyo.

Retallick, who scored the opening try in the game was sent-off in the 65th minute for a dangerous tackle on Japan blindside flanker Kazuki Himeno.

His absence almost proved costly for New Zealand as they narrowly defeated the Brave Blossoms with a 38-31 margin.

The 31-year-old will now attend the hearing on Tuesday after being charged with a breach of Law 9.20(a) that deals with charging into a ruck or maul.

The hearing will be chaired by Wang Shao-Ing from Singapore along with Donal Courtney (Ireland) and Leon Lloyd (England).

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster backed Retallick after the incident.

“We are going to have a good look at it,” said Foster to Sky Sports.

“I certainly didn’t see any intention, apart from trying to move a body. That’s a process we will have to go through.”

New Zealand will be facing Wales, Scotland and England in the upcoming fixtures to be played on 5th, 13th and 19th November respectively.