Berthoumieu’s apparently bite has dominated the headlines
France’s Axelle Berthoumieu has been cited by World Rugby for an apparent bite on Ireland’s Aoife Wafer.
Ireland were beaten 18-13 in their World Cup quarter-final at Sandy Park in Exeter, with TV footage seemingly showing Berthoumieu biting Wafer’s arm in a ruck.
The incident was not punished by TMO despite Wafer seemingly mouthing ‘She bit me’ to the referee.
World Rugby said: “Back row Axelle Berthoumieu has been cited for an action contrary to Law 9.12 (biting).”
Ireland captain Sam Monaghan did say after the game that officials were made aware of the incident on the pitch.
Watch the incident here: https://x.com/Waffles93697275/status/196722265465990
“I spoke to the referee, I didn’t see it,” said Monaghan. “I spoke to the referee and asked could they have a look at it. [The check] was through TMO.”
One fan said: “Watched the last 20 minutes. Really thought they’d get there. Have to say while Ireland couldn’t find the killer edge France got away with some terrible stuff. The bite on Aoife Wafer being one.”
A second said: “How this bite on Aoife Wafer wasn’t checked is madness. Poor look for the TMO.”
A third said: “I’m a newcomer to women’s rugby but the standard of refereeing and the TMO are shocking. Clear bite by the French player on Aoife Wafer and not even looked at. France should be down to 14.”
Bemand: Really proud of the group
While Ireland coach Scott Bemand wasn’t drawn on the incident, he did express immense pride of his Ireland side, having been 13-0 up at half-time.
“I’m really proud, really proud of the group and where they’ve come from in the two years is my immediate piece,” he told RTE Sport.
“It was a tough Test match today, the occasion – you think a year ago, that group might have felt the occasion more but I could see it in the eyes of the players when they stepped off the bus… the Irish support has been fantastic all the way through the competition.
“The crowd was singing the Field of Athenry and our group don’t get daunted by that any more. They get excited by it.”
