The All Blacks are facing front row issues heading into the second Test of their rugby grand slam quest against Scotland.

The opening 26-16 win over England at Twickenham has come at a price with hooker Keven Mealamu cited for an alleged headbutt on English skipper Lewis Moody.

Adding to coach Graham Henry's concerns, prop Ben Franks is heading home after it was decided a bulging disc which forced him out of the England match with back spasms wouldn't allow him to play until the tour finale against Wales at best.

International Rugby Board citing commissioner John West charged 82-cap veteran Mealamu with dangerous play after replays suggested he'd deliberately made contact with the back of Moody's head at a breakdown.

Mealamu will face an IRB judiciary in Edinburgh - possibly on Tuesday - and risks a significant suspension unless television angles of the incident posted on the internet are misleading.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said he was "surprised" to learn Mealamu had been cited.

"He's probably the cleanest player in the world isn't he? It was purely accidental as far as I know," he said.

Ominously for the All Blacks, South African lock Bakkies Botha copped a nine-week ban in July for headbutting Jimmy Cowan - also from behind - during the Tri-Nations Test at Eden Park.

Mealamu does not have a list of prior convictions to rival Botha, though it could prove difficult for the 31-year-old to avoid a tour-ending punishment.

Should that scenario unfold Andrew Hore, the All Blacks starting hooker in 2009, faces a tougher reintroduction to Test rugby than might have been anticipated after a five-month lay-off.

Hore, who has not played since popping a shoulder during the final round of the Super 14 regular season in May, was taken on this five-Test tour to complete his rehabilitation.

Henry said it was always envisaged Hore would be in the 22-man squad for Saturday's assignment at Murrayfield.

The Scottish Test could also be a watershed moment for Hika Elliot, after four Tests sitting on the bench as Mealamu's understudy he can finally expect to make his debut if the Aucklander is banned.

With Mealamu's fate yet to be determined, Henry has not had to ponder summoning a replacement hooker - probably the Chiefs' Aled de Malmanche.

The decision to replace Franks with Neemia Tialata needed little consideration.

His ability to play both sides of the scrum facilitated his recall ahead of Wyatt Crockett and Jamie Mackintosh.

Scotland, considered the weakest of the Home Unions, have been a convenient opposition to blood new All Blacks during the Henry reign.

But the head coach denied a second string lineup would necessarily be revealed on Wednesday.

"We'll try and pick the best team available probably, within reason," he said.

"It'll be pretty close to the top team again."

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