Sunday 15 February 2015 14:30, UK
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre says Pascal Pape’s sin-binning against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday was a major factor in their defeat.
However, Saint-Andre does not think the experienced lock deliberately kneed Jamie Heaslip in the back.
The Ireland forward is now a major injury doubt for Ireland’s big showdown with England on 1 March after Pape appeared to drive his knee into him in the 52nd minute of Ireland’s 18-11 Six Nations win.
And, although referee Wayne Barnes decided a yellow card was sufficient punishment, Pape may yet be cited in the coming days.
But Saint-Andre said: “When you watch the images of the incident, I don't think you can say it was deliberate.
"However, I said to Pascal you received a yellow card just at the moment we were gaining the upper hand both physically and territorially, as we were in their 22.
"Although we didn't concede many points, it was still a pivotal moment.
You expect something like that from an inexperienced player, not one with over 50 Tests under his belt. It was the worst possible moment for that to happen.
"You expect something like that from an inexperienced player, not one with over 50 Tests under his belt. It was the worst possible moment for that to happen."
Heaslip attempted to continue after the incident but was eventually forced to leave the field after an hour and Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said: “He's very uncomfortable at the moment, he got a knee in the lower back.
“We will get him checked out over the next couple of days."
Meanwhile, Saint-Andre has defended his fly-half Camille Lopez, who received criticism in the media for his display in Dublin.
"Camille did some good things, though he is aware that his variety of play in the first-half was not good," said Saint-Andre.
"It is fine to pass to (centre) Mathieu Bastareaud from time to time, because he sucks in three players to bring him down.
"However, we needed to alternate our play and give it some variety. Feed it down the backline or kick in behind the Irish backs.
"However, Camille is talented and he has qualities, and one must remember he hasn't many caps. This is the first time he has played abroad in the Six Nations.
"There are other players' performances which were worse, so stop picking on the fly-half."
