Concerned medical staff signal for the stretcher as Ireland captain Paul O'Connell lies on the ground with a serious injury. photo / Brett Phibbs
Concerned medical staff signal for the stretcher as Ireland captain Paul O'Connell lies on the ground with a serious injury. photo / Brett Phibbs
All the latest news from the Rugby World Cup and the final round of pool matches including Ireland's big win over France.
Ireland sick The Irish are in bad injury shape for their quarter final after a magnificent win over France. Captain and legendary lock Paul O'Connell and star No. 10Jonny Sexton both left the field against France, as did loose forward Peter O'Mahony and centre Keith Earls. Sexton was said to be in tears, after copping a massive hit from Louis Picamoles. He clutched at his stomach and there are reports he vomited on the pitch. There are also reports that star flanker Sean O'Brien could be cited for a punch on Pascal Pape. When asked if O'Connell's tournament and test career was over, coach Joe Schmidt said: "I suspect it probably is...we'll have to get a scan later tomorrow and wait for some swelling to go down and it's probably the same for Jonny Sexton and Peter O'Mahony."
Ireland loose forward Peter O'Mahony lies on the ground injured. photo / Brett Phibbs
It's like deja vu, all over again... ...as the famous American baseballer and word-twister Yogi Berra said. The All Blacks will play France in Cardiff in the World Cup quarterfinals, after the Tricolours were beaten by a stirring Irish performance in Cardiff. The amazing history between these two countries at the rugby World Cup continues.
Talking tough The Australians are talking up the chances of injured stars David Pocock and Israel Folau turning out against Scotland at Twickenham on Monday. Folau is battling an ankle injury and has struggled for best form. He has even looked shaky under the high ball, which is supposedly a strength. Pocock is rugby's finest breakdown merchant but injured a calf against Wales. But Sean McMahon was impressive in place of the injured Michael Hooper against Wales and offers great cover for Pocock - might the Aussies decide to rest kay man Pocock for a semifinal they should win? Argies barge past Namibia
