France escape Atonio affair with reprimand
France have been reprimanded for their controversial replacement of prop Uini Atonio in the conclusion to their 20-18 victory against Wales after Six Nations chiefs stated there was “no clear evidence” that they deliberately bent the rules.
In the 81st minute, France replacement Atonio went off for a Head Injury Assessment to be replaced by the returning Rabah Slimani, a renowned scrummager, during a series of scrums on the Welsh try-line. Atonio had shown no visible signs of concussion and told referee Wayne Barnes that he had a sore back.
After the match, which was won by a Damien Chouly try in the 100th minute, Wales coach Rob Howley said: “There is evidence to suggest the integrity of the game has been brought into disrepute.”
The Untoward Incident Review Group, set up to investigate, took three months to conclude that France were only guilty of crossed wires.
In a statement, the UIRG said: “Following detailed review of the available evidence it was established that once the HIA protocol had been initiated and the player had entered the medical room, the FFR conducted the process appropriately, although there was some miscommunication from the French team.
“There was no clear evidence that there was any intent to obtain a competitive advantage in the match with regards to the FFR’S failures in complying with the HIA protocol and/or laws of the game.”
The UIRG was set up to investigate mismanagement of concussions protocols but has yet to punish a club or player – beyond the most cursory slaps on the wrist – despite some obvious flaws and mistakes. This outcome will prompt further accusations that rugby’s authorities are far more concerned about protecting themselves legally than they are player welfare.
Wales, meanwhile, ground out a 24-6 victory over Tonga at Eden Park yesterday as Alex Cuthbert’s effort and a late penalty try gave them a winning start to their twotest summer tour.
In a scrappy encounter, Wales could not get the final pass to stick and both sides made a string of errors that disrupted the flow of the game. Cuthbert’s excellent finish was the game’s stand-out moment, but Wales should have won by more as Sam Davies missed two penalties and a conversion before the break.
The young fly-half did end the game with 12 points in response to two penalties from Tonga scrumhalf Sonatane Takulua. But a late penalty-try following a forward surge failed to hide the fact Wales will have to improve on this showing if they are to trouble Samoa next Friday.
Afterwards Wales interim head coach Robin Mcbryde said he was ready to help out the British and Irish Lions should Warren Gatland want to reinforce his squad to take on New Zealand.
“We weren’t short-sighted enough to think we would come all the way to the other side of the world and not support the Lions if the call comes,” Mcbryde said. “We are one of the nations that are involved in the British and Irish Lions. If we can support them then we’ll help them out, but
I don’t know what Warren is going to do.”
Gareth Anscombe, Thomas Young and captain Jamie Roberts would be among the leading contenders to join the Lions if Gatland is looking for alternative options. Mcbryde is confident that Wales would be able to cope if their squad was reduced in number.