Richie McCaw faces World Cup final ban if he is cited for elbowing Francois Louw

• e-mail

All Black captain Richie McCaw could face World Cup final heartache as the citing officer considers the severity of an elbow on South Africa’s Francois Louw in yesterday’s semi-final.

McCaw’s arm seemed to smash into Louw’s face in the 20th minute of the All Blacks’ win at Twickenham after the Springbok No 6 effected a key turnover at a breakdown.

Louw left the field for treatment shortly afterwards with blood pouring from a head wound and he finished the match with two wounds to his forehead requiring a total of 20 stitches. 

Richie McCaw could miss the World Cup final if he is deemed to have deliberately elbowed Francois Louw

McCaw (No 7, centre) runs around the back at the breakdown, during the 22nd minute of the semi-final

The New Zealand captain attempts to chase South Africa's ball carrier after arriving from an onside position

McCaw's right elbow collides with Springboks openside flanker Francois Louw, who is kneeling on the floor

When asked how he incurred the cuts, the Bath flanker said: ‘I’m not sure, I think it was at the bottom of a ruck’.

Striking with the elbow has a low end sanction of a two-week suspension. The citing officer has until 6am on Mondau morning to lodge a complaint.

New Zealand will face either Australia or Argentina in the final with their Rugby Championship rivals meeting at Twickenham on Sunday. 

South Africa's Francois Louw (right) is taken off to the blood bin during Saturday's match at Twickenham

All Blacks legend McCaw punches the air to celebrate victory as Adriaan Strauss of South Africa walks by