France wing Remy Grosso suffers double facial fracture in high tackle during New Zealand’s win over France
Neither Sam Cane nor Ofa Tu'ungafasi were sanctioned for the double-high tackle that left Grosso in hospital
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.France coach Jacques Brunel criticised the All Blacks for an "illegal" tackle that injured winger Remy Grosso and left him with a double facial fracture following the first test at Eden Park on Saturday.
Grosso was replaced during the second half of the 52-11 loss to New Zealand after a double tackle from flanker Sam Cane and prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi.
Television replays showed the All Blacks' number seven's arm had made contact with the winger's head before Tu'ungafasi's shoulder made contact with Grosso's head as he fell.
World Rugby has cracked down on high tackles this year with any contact with the head or neck resulting in a yellow card.
Cane and Tu'ungafasi escaped any sanction and referee Luke Pearce decided with television official George Ayoub that it was an offence worthy of “just a penalty”.
"The injury of Remy Grosso is quite serious," Brunel told reporters through an interpreter. "I don't know precisely what the problem is but he is at the hospital.
"I think that the way he was done by the All Blacks pair was illegal."
It was later confirmed by the national team that Grosso had suffered a double facial fracture.
The fact the pair escaped any sanction was not lost on Brunel, who had lock Paul Gabrillagues yellow carded for a high tackle on Ryan Crotty. Television replays showed he had not made any contact with the inside centre's head or neck.
"The yellow card was key," Brunel added of the decision that allowed the world champions to cut loose in the final 30 minutes and score seven unanswered tries. "It was very hard to fight with the All Blacks after that.
"Yellow card or not yellow card, we had to deal with it."
France had led 11-8 at halftime and were holding on in the second half as the All Blacks developed momentum before Gabrillagues was sinbinned and the world champions quickly hammered home their numerical advantage.
France captain Mathieu Bastareaud added that his side would need to bounce back and asked them to keep working hard until after the third test in Dunedin on 23 June.
"We have a lot to improve," he said.
"I've asked my team mates to improve and I've said to them that's it's a privilege to play here.
"This was a lesson today but there are two other games for us to do better in, so that's what we have to do."
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments