France are refusing to comment on accusations they were guilty of eye-gouging during Sunday's Rugby World Cup defeat to New Zealand.
Rugby commentator Keith Quinn told Radio New Zealand that All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw was the victim of eye-gouging towards the culmination of the close final, which the All Blacks ultimately won 8-7.
Quinn claimed France captain Thierry Dusautoir, who was named the International Rugby Board's Player of the Year on Monday, was "right there" when the alleged incident happened. "It was clearly seen on TV," said Quinn. "McCaw needed attention from medical staff.''
France media manager Lionel Rossigneux said they would not be commenting on the allegations, but did point out that "a knee hit the face of Morgan Parra by Richie McCaw". Rossigneux told the New Zealand Herald: "The service of the French team is that we are not doing any comment on that. We just found it a bit sad that after the Rugby World Cup that there is still some stories in the newspaper rather than celebrating the All Blacks' victory.''
The IRB confirmed the citing period for the match had expired and it had received no formal complaint. However Quinn is standing by the allegatioins and claimed it was confirmed by a source close to the All Blacks.
"The only video that I've seen is the same as what you could see if you were watching match coverage," Quinn told Radio New Zealand. "But I made the remark it looked like eye-gouging yesterday in a social situation and had confirmation from a source, which I'm saying is close to the New Zealand team, that eye-gouging took place.'
"I think more needs to be investigated about the incident. The illustrious awarded player of the year surely involves elements of fair play. Dusautoir was right there but didn't attempt to offer any concern about about McCaw's condition.''