Mealamu is tackled by Moody during the All Blacks' win over England

New Zealand hooker Keven Mealamu has denied he intentionally struck England's Lewis Moody with his head during Saturday's 26-16 victory.

Mealamu has been cited for the second-half incident which happened when Moody was lying face down at a ruck.

The 31-year-old appeared to move his head towards the back of Moody's.

But Mealamu, who could miss some or all of the remaining Tests on tour if found guilty, told BBC Radio 5 live: "I'm not like that. No, definitely not."

Having beaten England, the All Blacks face Scotland at Murrayfield next Saturday, before meeting Ireland in Dublin on 20 November and Wales in Cardiff on 27 November as they chase a third grand slam over the home nations in six years.

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Mealamu was charged by the citing commissioner, Ireland's John West, and will have his case heard this week by an IRB-appointed Judicial Officer, Professor Lorne Crerar.

New Zealand head coach Graham Henry said: "He's been cited for striking the head. It surprises me. He's probably the cleanest player in the world, isn't he? It was purely accidental as far as I know."

New Zealand had uncapped hooker Hika Elliot, 23, on the bench at Twickenham.

The more experienced Andrew Hore, capped 47 times, is in the All Blacks' touring party, but has not played since May because of injury.

The tourists have suffered a further blow after it was decided prop Ben Franks will have to return to New Zealand after suffering a bulged disc during training on Friday.

Franks was due to be on the bench at Twickenham but had to be replaced by John Afoa.

The All Blacks have sent for Neemia Tialata, who won the last of his 43 caps against Wales in June, as a replacement for Franks.

Head coach Graham Henry said: "It's obviously a huge disappointment for Ben but he understands that it's in his best interests to go home and rehabilitate.

"Neemia's ability to play both tight-head and loose-head makes him the logical choice to replace Ben."

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