O’Brien ’embarrassed’ by World Cup punch

Meanwhile, Argentina will be without centre Marcelo Bosch after he was handed a one-week ban for a unsafe tackle in last weekend’s win over Namibia.

The loss of 108-Test second rower Paul O’Connell stands as a monumental blow.

After a seven-hour hearing in London, Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien was handed a one-week ban for striking French lock Pascal Pape in the opening minute of Monday’s win over France.

There are also doubts over playmaker Jonny Sexton, who is struggling with a groin injury which forced him off in the first-half of the pool game which saw the Irish seal top spot and avoid a last eight meeting with defending champions New Zealand.

It couldn’t have come at a worse time, given how O’Connell flew home yesterday to undergo surgery on his torn hamstring.

“It’s a massive loss to lose Pauly and Pete (O’Mahony) as well – your captain and one of your vice-captains”, flanker Chris Henry said.

The ruling is the latest in a long line of controversial judgements made by World Rugby during the tournament, which has included Samoa’s Alesana Tuilagi being given an initial five-week ban – which was subsequently reduced – after catching Japan’s Harumichi Tateawa with his knee.

“That’s important that we do that before we do anything”.

“We’re not going to go through it if we give the ball away like Sunday and if we spend our time defending”. But four years ago, Argentina didn’t play rugby like that. That’s something this team prides itself on, so we’ve got to get our head down and get organised for the week.

If emotions were running high in the Irish camp, it was strictly business as usual for Australia as they geared up for Sunday’s clash with Scotland. “For me, it’s not really a week to be reflecting on things”, Moore said.

“Alex Cuthbert and George North will be likely on the wing”. We’ll just wait and see again, as the week goes on, we’ve a day off tomorrow and on Friday we’ll have a good session and we’ll go from there.