Melbourne Rebels firebrand co-captain Scott Higginbotham could miss their Super Rugby clash with the reigning champion Waratahs next Friday night after being cited for alleged foul play.

The No.8 as well as halfback Nic Stirzaker must both front the SANZAR judiciary following their historic 20-10 win over the Crusaders.

The Rebels upset last year’s runners-up in Christchurch to break through for their first ever win outside of Australia.

Higginbotham’s celebrations were soured by the citing, which stems from an alleged stamping on the head of All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw in the 50th minute.

McCaw is seen to react angrily toward Higginbotham, although the incident escaped the attention of the on-field officials.

Higginbotham, who this season has been joined by flanker Scott Fuglistaller as skipper, doesn’t have a good record after receiving three yellow cards last season.

The last one was for a lifting tackle against the Lions which resulted in a one-match ban in the final round for “persistent offending”.

Stirzaker’s alleged offence was also for stamping on McCaw.

He was yellow-carded in the third minute but returned and scored the Rebels second try in the 65th minute.

Melbourne coach Tony McGahan praised the way the young halfback kept his head after spending 10 minutes on the sidelines.

“He was really composed in defence and that try in the second half was a measure of what a quality player he is,” McGahan said.

The Waratahs beat the Rebels in both their meetings last year and Higginbotham said they would be another massive challenge at AAMI Park.

“We’ll go from playing a Super Rugby side that’s full of All Blacks, to playing an Australian side full of Wallabies,” Higginbotham said post-match.

“There’s no easy game and we’re well aware of that.”