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PARIS - Bayonne lock Mikaera Tewhata has apologised to Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll, who could miss his country's first two World Cup rugby matches after sustaining a crushing punch to the face by the New Zealander.
Regarded as one of the finest backs in the world, O'Driscoll sustained a fracture to his nose and damage to his cheekbone when he was punched during the midweek "friendly" which the Irish won 42-6.
Tewhata said he did not target O'Driscoll - and only lashed out because he thought the Irishman was going for another Bayonne player as both sets of players squared up in the 62nd minute of an incident-packed game.
"When I lashed out, I didn't know I had hit O'Driscoll," Tewhata told today's L'Equipe newspaper.
Asked if he regretted his actions, he added: "Yes, I hugely regret it. It's not in my nature. It's the first time I've punched someone. It was simply an unfortunate reflex action."
According to L'Equipe, Tewhata, who said he has been shown only two yellow cards for "techincal fouls", in his six years with the Basque club, was close to tears during their short interview.
And the New Zealand-born lock said he would like nothing more than to offer his apologies to O'Driscoll, who will miss Ireland's World Cup opener against Namibia and could miss the second match against Georgia.
"I wish I could tell him how sorry I am. The first thing I did (the next day) was to try and find out how he was. I really hope he will be able to participate in the World Cup," Tewhata said.
"I want to offer him my heartfelt apologies. I would like to see him face to face, shake his hand and make peace."
O'Driscoll should be fit for the two crunch games against France and Argentina.
Irish team officials said they did not intend to take the matter any further but said they would welcome an inquiry by the French Rugby Federation (FFR).
FFR president Bernard Lapasset said he and his disciplinary commission would study the referee's report on the game before deciding what action, if any, to take.
"We will deal with it quickly as I want to sort this matter out as rapidly as possible," he said.
O'Driscoll's injury follows a knee injury sustained by first-choice winger Shane Horgan during the warmup to last weekend's game against Scotland in Edinburgh.
- AFP, NZP
