Waikato loose forward Sione Lauaki has been cited for his dangerous tackle on Canterbury fly-half Cameron McIntyre and will appear before a New Zealand Rugby Union judicial committee on Wednesday.
Lauaki let fly with a high tackle in the 62nd minute of Waikato’s 23-15 Ranfurly Shield loss at Jade Stadium on Saturday.
McIntyre was forced from the field after the incident but has suffered no lasting effects and trained with his team-mates on Monday.
All Blacks prop Greg Somerville, who has spent the past few weeks recovering from his efforts with New Zealand and spending time with his new daughter Paige, is also back in training with Canterbury.
Somerville is expecting a tough comeback game with Wellington heading to Christchurch determined to snatch the Ranfurly Shield off the red and blacks this Friday.
The prop is the first of Canterbury’s All Blacks to return with Leon MacDonald, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Chris Jack and Aaron Mauger expected to filter back over the next few weeks.
Wellington will have flanker Jerry Collins back to fortify their pack and will go into the match full of confidence after their 53-12 victory over Southland last weekend.
"Wellington have really hit their straps the last couple of weeks and they have threats all around the park and they can break you open at any time," Somerville told www.allblacks.com.
"But our defence is pretty good too so we back ourselves.
"It will also be another step up for the young guys in the team and having to back up after Waikato is another hurdle for them."
