ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Questionable France HIA tactics investigation moves to next stage of review process

BY davidharper  ·  Tuesday Feb 6, 2018

One of the biggest talking points to emerge from Ireland’s thrilling, extra-time victory on Saturday has been France’s questionable use of HIA tactics. The confusion around what happened has gone through one review already, and now reaches the second stage.

Flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert suffered a knee injury in a first-half collision with Bundee Aki. Nonetheless, a Head Injury Assessment was ordered. Later on, replacement half back Antoine Dupont went down in the 76th minute with what was also clearly a knee injury.

Surprisingly, yet another HIA was ordered.

Referee Nigel Owens had no choice but to defer to the official match doctor.

Of the two, Dupont’s was obviously the more significant as it allowed France to bring scrum half Maxime Machenaud back into the game, instead of another player. Machenaud, however, was never asked to kick again. And as we know, Ireland won the match in dramatic fashion.

As many have pointed out, questionable Head Injury Assessments have been used before by the French, in particular against Wales during last year’s competition.

Jalibert and Dupont were indeed both injured and Dupont will miss the remainder of the tournament, while Jalibert will be out for at least a month with a partially torn ligament.

The latest statement from Six Nations Rugby reads:

“Following the NatWest 6 Nations match between France and Ireland on Saturday, the independent Head Injury Assessment (HIA) Review Processor appointed by Six Nations, Alligin (UK) Limited, carried out its review of various incidents from the match.

“That initial review has now been concluded and, in light of the views expressed by the Review Processor, Six Nations Rugby has referred two such incidents to the HIA Review Panel, ie the second stage of World Rugby’s HIA review process.

“The HIA Review Panel, which is chaired by Roger Morris (Wales), will consider the incidents and report to Six Nations. It can make recommendations (among other things) as to further education and training that is required, and/or whether disciplinary action should be taken by Six Nations.

“It is anticipated that, due to the need to consider various materials and contact a number of individuals, the HIA Review Panel is unlikely to finalise its report for a number of days. No further comments will be made until the conclusion of the review process.”

For his part, French head coach Jacques Brunel stated that France had no control over what the doctor decided to do. “They were collisions, but the head injury protocol was decided by the independent doctor. It wasn’t our decision.”

Brian O’Driscoll is among those who aren’t buying it.

Here he is on Off The Ball explaining his feelings.

Credit: Off The Ball/Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 78 WEEKS AGO

    Breaking down the greatest year of international...

  • 259 WEEKS AGO

    scottish prop saves fire victim

  • 263 WEEKS AGO

    New Rugby X tournament insane



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 96 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 96 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 8 HOURS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Should Steve Borthwick have brought on George Ford? Or trusted in Marcus Smith?

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

View All