O’Driscoll Says HIA Controversy In French Game ‘A Disgrace’

“And how you handle that, I suppose that does separate those who can step up and those who cannot”, added the Ireland skipper.

“That’s a credit to Johnny because he had a bit of cramp at the time and was worn out himself, but his clarity of thought and ability to win those big moments is second to none”.

Leinster lock James Ryan is selected ahead of Irish mainstay and club teammate Devin Toner, with the 21-year-old partnering Iain Henderson in the second-row in what is an impressively strong pack featuring six Lions from the 2013 or 2017 tours.

Former Ireland captain O’Driscoll says it can’t be allowed to happen again.

Roars reverberated around the stadium when Machenaud was on target with an excellent penalty, reward for good work in the ruck from Jefferson Poirot but Sexton made it 9-3 at the break after Ireland lost Josh van der Flier to a knee injury.

Ref watch: Nigel Owens presided over another dramatic victory having refereed an error-strewn rather than ill-disciplined game.

Jalibert left the pitch to be replaced by Belleau on the half hour after hurting his knee. At no stage did he appear to hit his head.

“This involves an initial review by an independent HIA review processor, Alligin (UK) Limited, and then in certain cases a further review by an HIA review panel”.

“When you know it’s a serious knee injury, you’re going to grimace”.

Here’s all the information you’ll need to stream the glorious action for free, with Ireland facing France in a fixture brimming with new talent and potential.

But the incident hasn’t gone unnoticed and it will likely be under the microscope as the Six Nations progressed.

Yet people in the game will rightly feel disgusted if they believe that the HIA law – commendably introduced to prioritise player welfare – is being abused.

Sexton’s 44-meter drop goal nearly three minutes into injury time stunned the Stade de France as the host thought it would prevail after a splendid late try by wing Teddy Thomas. And he called the game-defining play on his own shoulders with time long up and energy spent after 41 grueling phases. The stakes were high, the pressure was on, but the players backed themselves. “Just got there in the end”.

No-one panics. No-one is unsure of what their role is.

As was Keith Earls ridiculous leap over Virimi Vakatawa. The replacements also feature seven Leinster players, along with Munster’s John Ryan.