Six Nations chiefs to examine French farce
THE fallout from Wales’ dramatic defeat to France looks set to run and run after Six Nations bosses launched an investigation into the 20 minutes of overtime in Paris.
Tournament organisers are to probe claims from Wales wing George North he was bitten in the closing moments and also France’s decision to replace substitute prop Uini Atonio with Rabah Slimani.
Those two incidents dominated the post-match agenda as Wales tried to come to terms with their 20-18 loss after Damien Chouly scored in the 100th minute of the game.
Wales coach Rob Howley was furious at France’s replacement of Atonio in the 80th minute of the game, claiming the integrity of the sport had been brought into question.
And North was clearly unhappy with what happened to him complaining to match referee Wayne Barnes.
Six Nations chiefs are looking into exactly what happened. If France are found to have contravened the rules – which state you cannot replace a substitute unless he is injured – they are likely to face major sanctions.
A Six Nations spokesperson said: “With regards to the biting incident surrounding George North, we have an independent match citing commissioner.
The commissioner will be reviewing the major incidents in the game and he has 48 hours to do so. He will take that time to make those decisions.
“As for the replacement of France’s prop forward, we are aware of the concerns surrounding the use of the head injury assessment protocol.
“We are looking into the matter and will issue a statement in due course once our findings are complete.”
Howley was incensed by France’s replacement of Atonio, but his opposite number Guy Noves denied any wrongdoing.
The former Toulouse coach said he was told by his medics he had to substitute the player, but was unable to confirm what injury he had.
He also reacted angrily to suggestions one of his players had bitten North. In his after-match Press conference Noves moved as if to bite his hand and saying: “Look, there’s a bite mark, here.”
Wales flanker Justin Tipuric said: “George came into the dressing room and you could see a big bite mark on his arm - that’s the only thing I’ve seen.”
Centre Jonathan Davies said: “If the prop (Atonio) is complaining about a head injury, player welfare is important. But it just didn’t seem right, in my opinion.”
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