Ireland fear O’Brien citing for apparent punch

O’Brien lashed out at French lock Pascal Pape in the opening minutes of Ireland’s impressive 24-9 victory at Millennium Stadium.

Schmidt, who was initially hopeful that the injury looked the least serious of the three, could face further backrow problems for the quarter-final against Argentina if Sean O’Brien is cited for striking France’s Pascal Pape in the stomach. He was banned for 10 weeks earlier this year for kneeing Jamie Heaslip in the back and fracturing his vertebrae during a Six Nations game. It saw O’Brien, who was after awarded man of the match, swing his arm at Pape, with the Frenchman going to ground briefly as a result.

O’Connell and O’Mahony were stretchered off while Sexton limped off in the 26th minute.

In the aftermath of Ireland’s victory over France came the realisation that Ireland could not only be without Paul O’Connell, Peter O’Mahony and Johnny Sexton through injury, but also Sean O’Brien.

But Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said he did not think O’Brien had punched intentionally. But it’s not for me to determine. I also think that it’s not a closed fist.

“I truly hope not”, Schmidt replied when asked whether O’Brien faced a ban. It’s hopefully not something that impacts on us. He’s already talking about next week so I’m not sure if that means he’ll be playing or not but he’s never short of advice.