Tuesday 22 November 2016 07:47, UK
Robbie Henshaw has been ruled out of Ireland's final Test, prompting criticism of the way Saturday's defeat to New Zealand was officiated.
Henshaw will sit out Saturday's game against Australia after a challenge from the All Blacks' Sam Cane left him with concussion.
Cane and Malakai Fekitoa have both been cited in the wake of their side's 21-9 win, the flanker for his hit on Henshaw and Fekitoa for a high tackle on Simon Zebo.
Both incidents were seen by referee Jaco Peyper, whose failure to issue red cards has been questioned by Ireland team boss Mick Kearney.
"The evidence is fairly clear that Robbie took a shoulder to the jaw, which knocked him unconscious before he hit the ground," Kearney said. "He came in [on Monday] to see the doctor and has since gone home.
"The citing officer picked out 12 incidents during the game; 11 of them referred to New Zealand. The one that referred to us was a clean-out of Sam Cane at a ruck and we were cleared of any foul play in that incident.
"It is disappointing, to be honest. There were a number of tackles and bangs around the head."
World Rugby issued a warning about dangerous tackles in the run-up to the November Tests, and Kearney said: "Joe
[Schmidt, Ireland head coach] would have sat the squad down, and shown them the various footage, including examples of tackles around the head and neck area.
"World Rugby had said if these incidents occur then you are liable to a red card, possibly. So that obviously didn't happen at the weekend."
Ireland have injury problems ahead of the Australia game with Jonny Sexton also out and CJ Stander and Rob Kearney doubts after showing signs of concussion.
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