Waratahs flanker Phil Waugh is adamant Crusaders halfback Justin Marshall did not boot him in the head and has leapt to the All Black's defence before Marshall's bid to overturn a two-match ban.

Marshall will appear before an Australian Rugby Union panel in Sydney on Thursday to appeal the suspension imposed against him for "use of the boot" against Waugh in the Crusaders' 34-31 loss to the Waratahs in Sydney last Saturday.

Waratahs management confirmed that Waugh had lent his support to Marshall.

"Phil Waugh has sent a letter to Justin Marshall saying there was no contact with his head and that he didn't believe it was malicious," a New South Wales Rugby Union spokesman said.

Waugh said immediately after the game he had no problems with Marshall's actions.

"If you end up on the wrong side (of the ruck) you're going to be dealt with."

The Crusaders management declined to discuss their grounds for the appeal, preferring to say nothing before the hearing.

Coach Robbie Deans is unable to travel to Sydney because the hearing conflicts with the Crusaders' preparation for Saturday's Super 12 game against the Cats.

But Marshall is likely to appear in person, with support from a Canterbury Rugby Union official.

Marshall's Crusaders team-mates are rallying around the accused halfback.

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