France’s Bernard Le Roux castle could face disciplinary action after writing a “dirty” incident on the face of Welsh skipper Alun Wyn Jones in a collision on Saturday night in Paris.
The flashpoint in the first half, which occurred when Jones was lying on the ground, went completely unnoticed by referee Karl Dickson, his TMO or ITV cameras at the time.
However, S4C has focused on the unsavory moment. The video footage clearly shows the South African-born Le Roux Elbow Jones confronting the breakdown.
At first he seems to hit the skipper in the back of the head and puts his arm around Jones’ neck. As the couple fall forward onto the lawn, Le Roux’s right forearm touches Jones’ face.
The 48 hours after the game will be crucial as a quote could follow – meaning Le Roux may face retroactive sanctions for the hit.
In the past response, the incident was labeled “dirty” with “intent”.
ITV4 has taken up the actions of Le Roux in the summary after the game. Welsh rugby legend and expert Gareth Thomas said: “For me he has a forearm on his face.
“As Alun Wyn Jones’ head is tilted on the floor, the right elbow comes in and on his face.”
Co-expert James Hook, who played 81 times for Wales, said: “There are definitely intentions. That right elbow, there are intentions. He knows exactly what he’s doing.”
S4C expert Nicky Robinson said, “You can’t hold your neck, but the biggest problem is when he’s on the floor and your elbow comes through. If the video referee saw that, it would have to have been a red card.
“It’s not an accident, it looks terrible and he’s lucky that Alun Wyn is okay, got up, didn’t complain and continued the game. But that is why the video referee is here to see how dirty the ball is playing and that is clear and should be seen by someone. “
Welsh boss Wayne Pivac declined to open up on the matter during his post-game press conference, saying: “I didn’t see the incident myself but I was told about it.
“I have no doubt that the responsible officials will take a look if they think something is in there.”
Skipper Alun Wyn Jones himself missed the opportunity to address exactly what happened and told S4C, “This is for other people to see.
“I just focus on the game.”
However, sections of the French rugby media seem concerned that Le Roux will face a sanction for his actions that would expel him from the six-nation final against Ireland next weekend if France are to fight for the title.
A report on LeRugbyNistere warns that the incident “could cost Le Roux dearly”.
France, Ireland and England each have the chance to win this year’s six-nation title.
On Super Saturday, Wales against Scotland starts at 2.15 p.m., Italy against England at 4.45 p.m. (UK time) before the final between France and Ireland at 8.05 p.m. (UK time). The staggered kick-off times mean the French and Irish know exactly what to do to prepare for the showdown in Paris.
France and England are currently level on points in the finals, although Les Bleus have a slightly worse point difference.
England will expect to expand their point difference advantage even further by taking on the lowest Azzurri in Rome.
France need to improve England’s result to win the title. If they match England’s score, it’s because of the point difference.
So if France scores a maximum of five points and England only four points in Rome, France will be champions.
But if they tie or lose against Ireland they are out of the running and Ireland still hopes they can lead England to the title.
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