By Jim Morton
A Scott Higginbotham "cheap shot" on All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw has infuriated the All Blacks who are bewildered by the lack of protection for their skipper.
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen was seething after the 18-18 draw with the Wallabies on Saturday night, but not just because of a huge missed opportunity at Suncorp Stadium.
While the All Blacks missed the chance for a record-equalling 17th straight Test win, Hansen's frustrations bubbled over after Higginbotham escaped without punishment for kneeing McCaw in the head before head-butting him in the 26th minute.
The New Zealand flanker was penalised for leaving his feet in a ruck before the Wallabies No.6 took matters into his own hands in a scuffle.
The incident revived memories of Quade Cooper's knee to McCaw's head at the same ground 14 months ago when the Wallabies playmaker escaped the next day when exonerated at a judicial hearing.
"I saw the head-butt - it's another cheap shot," Hansen says.
"He seems to get them every week but everyone seems to miss them."
McCaw admitted he was annoyed at the time and expected the judicial process to take its course against Higginbotham.
"It's on TV so it will get dealt with," he says.
"It does get frustrating at times and annoying but there's not much I can do about it."
Higginbotham would front a judicial hearing on Tuesday if cited by the match commissioner.
Springboks prop Dean Greyling copped a two-week ban, which effectively was a one-Test suspension, after he was found guilty of striking McCaw last month.
Greyling's elbow appeared more blatant and heavier contact was made but sentences have been inconsistent.
Watch the video for the incident.
NZN