PASCAL PAPÉ IS expected to be cited for kneeing Jamie Heaslip during Ireland’s 18-11 win over France in Dublin yesterday evening, as the number eight awaits the final results of a scan on the resultant back injury.
Heaslip underwent medical tests at the Aviva Stadium last night amidst strong concerns that he could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines. Ireland are expected to provide an official confirmation of the injury tomorrow.
France second row Papé was yellow carded by referee Wayne Barnes in the 53rd minute of the Six Nations encounter for what looked to be a deliberate act in lifting his left knee into Heaslip’s lower back as the Ireland number eight attempted to make a choke tackle.
Heaslip continued to play until the 59th minute, when he was replaced by Jordi Murphy and left the field in visible pain.
“He’s very uncomfortable at the moment, he got a knee in the lower back,” said Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt post-game in Dublin.
“We’ll get him checked out in the next couple of days. At least we can come up for breath for a couple of days before we start our preparation for England, so we’ll wait to see how Jamie is. He’s pretty uncomfortable at the moment.”
