France accused of dirty play
The New Zealand team doctor has sparked a furore by alleging France used illegal tactics during the World Cup semi-final win over the All Blacks on Sunday.
John Mayhew confirmed complaints had been made to him about French players eye-gouging, head-butting and attacking testicles during France's 43-31 win at Twickenham.
"I believed after talking to the players there were a number of incidents which fortunately didn't have any physical repercussions afterwards," Mayhew told New Zealand's Radio Sport.
"Two players claimed they (the French) used some illegal tactics. Josh Kronfeld was eye-gouged several times - that was brought to the attention of the referee (Jim Fleming). Anton Oliver was head-butted. On top of that there were unsavoury acts which went on and which really had no place in rugby."
Asked if French players attacked any New Zealanders' testicles, Mayhew replied: "That's included in the unsavoury acts."
New Zealand prop Craig Dowd told the New Zealand Press Association that referee Jim Fleming should have red-carded two French players.
"I don't want it to sound like sour grapes," he said. "I'm going to be interested to see how the judicial system works over this game. If it doesn't (act) it is just failing rugby. If guys can get away with what they did ..."
French prop Franck Tournaire was Wednesday facing a disciplinary hearing after having been cited for alleged biting in the match.
1. Max Verstappen ()
