Rugby World Cup
Ireland woes deepen as Sean O'Brien banned for World Cup quarterfinal
ESPN Staff
October 13, 2015
Ireland 'close to their best' in France win

Ireland will be without Sean O'Brien for their Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina after he was banned for one week for striking Pascal Pape.

O'Brien had been cited for the incident, which occurred during the first half of Sunday's 24-9 defeat of France in Cardiff, with the independent Judicial Officer Terry Willis deeming that the flanker had committed an act of foul play contrary to Law 10.4(a).

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The entry level suspension for such an offence is two weeks but the official ruling revealed that "compelling mitigating factors" as well as O'Brien's "remorse, good character and clean disciplinary record" had seen the ban halved.

As a result, he will miss Sunday's game at the Millennium Stadium but would be clear to play in Ireland's semifinal were they to advance.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt was already without Paul O'Connell and Peter O'Mahony for the clash with the Pumas, after both limped out against France, while he is still sweating over the fitness of Jonathan Sexton.

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