Sunday 30 April 2017 12:42, UK
All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock was cited on Sunday as a bitter-sweet weekend for Super Rugby leaders Crusaders continued.
A judicial hearing on Monday will decide the fate of the New Zealander after he was yellow-carded in a 48-21 win over the Cheetahs in South Africa on Saturday.
Skipper Whitelock was sin-binned for striking a Cheetah with his elbow eight minutes from time.
All Blacks captain and No 8 Kieran Read broke a thumb during the match in Bloemfontein and underwent surgery.
Crusaders said in a statement that it takes about six weeks to recover from a thumb operation and the first New Zealand v British and Irish Lions Test is on June 24.
The Christchurch outfit have won all nine Super Rugby matches this season, giving them a four-point lead over the Golden Lions of South Africa in the overall table.
Should Crusaders top the regular season standings, the record seven-time champions will enjoy home advantage in each knockout-phase match they play.
The 2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from June 3
