Ireland
Saint-Andre accuses O'Brien of Pape 'assault' in Ireland victory over France
ESPN Staff
October 12, 2015
Ireland 'close to their best' in France win

France head coach Philippe Saint-Andre has accused Ireland flanker Sean O'Brien of attacking Pascal Pape in the opening seconds on the two side's World Cup clash on Sunday.

O'Brien appeared to strike Pape in the stomach at the start of the brutal encounter at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, which Ireland won 24-9 to finish top of Pool D.

"It was an assault after 23 seconds of the game," said Saint-Andre, who took issue with referee Nigel Owens and the TMO for not acting on the alleged punch.

France 9-24 Ireland (Australia only)
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"Why?" he added. "The players have an idea as to why, I have an idea and I imagine you the press also have an idea. I hope that next time the TMO will really do his job.

The coach was a staunch defender of Pape when the lock was banned for 10 weeks earlier this year after kneeing Jamie Heaslip in the back, a blow that resulted in fractured vertebrae for the Irish No.8.

"Since the beginning of the competition, on whatever matter is concerned, try or injury, we return to a review of the images," Saint-Andre said. "In this case they do no such thing."

Ireland revel in 'tough' win over France
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The images have been circulated on social media and the Irish are waiting to see whether O'Brien, who was named man of the match in Cardiff, is cited ahead of their quarterfinal clash with Argentina on Sunday.

"We're all aware of the incident, obviously," Ireland team manager Michael Kearney said. "The citing officer has got a 36-hour timeframe in which to cite. We haven't heard anything from the match officials at this stage."

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