Grewcock cited for biting

The disciplinary fallout from the Lions' first Test defeat to New Zealand escalated when lock forward Danny Grewcock was cited for allegedly biting All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu.

The announcement that Grewcock will face a judicial hearing - to be held in Christchurch starting at 11.30pm Irish time - came shortly after the Lions confirmed they had reported Mealamu and All Blacks captain Tana Umaga to the independent citing commissioner.

The Lions, through their travelling QC Richard Smith, have alleged the All Black pair were responsible for a double spear-tackle on Brian O'Driscoll that left him with a tour-ending dislocated shoulder.

But while citing commissioner Willem Venter ponders that situation - he has 12 hours to do so - the South African confirmed he has cited Grewcock for an alleged bite 63 minutes into the Lions' dismal defeat.

Grewcock has a chequered history of playing in New Zealand, sent off playing for England against the All Blacks on the 1998 'Tour of Hell' and then cited for stamping during the second Test on last year's similarly disappointing trip.

The 32-year-old Bath player also missed England's 2003 tour, which included an historic victory over the All Blacks in Wellington, because he was serving a suspension for punching Lawrence Dallaglio.

Grewcock, who played the last 20 minutes in Christchurch as a replacement for Ben Kay, must now appear before judicial officer Terry Willis of Australia at a hearing to be held at Jade Stadium. Along with O'Driscoll's injury, the Lions will also be without flanker Richard Hill and Welsh centre Tom Shanklin for the remainder of the tour.