Brian O’Driscoll believes that Ireland’s victory over France in the Six Nations raises the issue of manipulation of head injury assessments, and says that World Rugby needs to act.
Speaking on OTB AM, the former Ireland captain discussed French scrum-half Antoine Dupont’s injury towards the end of Saturday's match. Dupont was taken off for a HIA, when replays showed the French player seemingly going down with a knee injury.
“In real time, you saw [Dupont’s] knee buckling. He held his head because he was in pain. Therefore, you have to go back to look at the video analysis of whether it’s a HIA or not – there’s no impact whatsoever to the head,” O’Driscoll said.
“When you know it’s a serious knee injury, you’re going to grimace. Grabbing your head is an immediate reaction to the disappointment and disillusionment of having to go off.”
While BOD felt that Nigel Owens’ officiating left a lot to be desired on Saturday, he says that the HIA issue is not the fault of the referee.
Just because we won with an INCREDIBLE 42 METER drop goal that HIA decision shouldn’t get swept under the carpet. It was nothing short of a disgrace!!!
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) February 3, 2018
“I thought it was pretty disgraceful... for the French doctor to say ‘Oh, that’s a HIA.’”
“It’s not the first time it’s happened – we had a very similar scenario against Wales in the Six Nations last year with scrummaging. World Rugby, in my opinion, need to have a serious look at this one.”
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