RugbySix Nations to review North bite, French head injury

PARIS: Six Nations organisers said Sunday that an independent citing commissioner would examine an alleged bite on Wales winger George North and the dispute over a contentious head injury at the end of France’s dramatic victory over the Welsh.

France ran out 20-18 winners on Saturday thanks to a converted try in the 100th minute, English referee Wayne Barnes playing 20 minutes of extra-time.

The French camped out in the Welsh 22m area and a series of scrums saw frontrow players from both sides come and go.

One incident particularly riled Wales coach Rob Howley: the substitution of Uini Atonio, France bringing preferred tighthead prop Rabah Slimani, known for his devastating scrummaging power, back on to strengthen the set piece.

France coach Guy Noves insisted it was a genuine call by his medics for a head injury, a nonsequitur for a referee obliged to follow strict concussion rules that allow teams to replace injured props with front row teammates who have been already subbed off.

But Howley saw it otherwise, saying there was “evidence to suggest that the integrity of the game has been brought into disrepute” by France fabricating the head injury call.

Six Nations organisers said in a statement released Sunday that they were “aware of concerns about the head injury assessment that took place towards the end of the match and is looking into the matter”. — AFP