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Monday, 15 February 2010

Flannery cited over France incident

Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery has been cited for his dangerous lunge on Alexis Palisson in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations defeat by France, paving the way for Rory Best's return.

Flannery has been charged with an "alleged kick" on the France winger in the 23rd minute of the championship showdown in Paris.

The Munster hooker escaped with a penalty but should have been sent off for a terrible challenge that could have caused serious injury to the France winger, who limped off with a dead leg shortly after.

If the citing is upheld, Flannery faces a minimum four-week suspension - potentially ruling him out of the fixtures against England and Wales.

The independent three-man Six Nations disciplinary committee is set to be convened on Wednesday and is sure to take a dim view of an offence that carries a maximum ban of a year.

Should Flannery be suspended, Rory Best of Ulster will take the number two jersey after recovering from neck surgery in time for the Six Nations.

But the incident gives Ireland head coach Declan Kidney an extra headache as he reflected on the demoralising 33-10 thrashing at the Stade de France.

The Irish saw their hopes of retaining the Grand Slam and ending their decade-long quest for victory in Paris ruined by a superb French performance.

Now they must regroup for their clash with England at Twickenham on Saturday 27 February, knowing another defeat would see their Six Nations title bid unravel.

"It's bound to have a psychological effect, it hits everybody," said Kidney.

"But you don't fail if you fall down, it's only if you don't pick yourselves up.

"That's what we have to do, pick ourselves up. It can always be done, but there could be easier places to do it than Twickenham."

Ireland's 12-match unbeaten run dating back to November 2008 may have been brought to a deflating conclusion, but Kidney believes they should benefit from the experience.

"We've had loads of highs over the last 12 months, this match is one of the tougher days," he said.

"You're not going to win every game, you've just got to learn from it and move on.

"We had a number of guys playing their first games in France and they'll benefit from having had the experience.

"All the aspects of our game could do with improvement.

"Against France we showed what happens when the pressure comes on and, if we can learn from that, we'll become a better side."

Rob Kearney is rated doubtful to face England after incurring a knee injury against France but Brian O'Driscoll, who also sustained a knee problem, should be fit.