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A French player tried to eye-gouge All Blacks captain Richie McCaw towards the end of the Rugby World Cup final, says veteran commentator Keith Quinn.
Quinn, citing information from “within the New Zealand camp”, says the incident was why the sides did not embrace at the end of the match and the All Blacks made “little or no mention” of the French team in post-match speeches.
“It was clearly seen on TV. McCaw needed attention from medical staff,” he told Radio New Zealand.
Quinn said French captain Thierry Dusautoir – who was on Monday night named International Rugby Board player of the year – was close to the ruck incident, although the footage did not show clearly who may have allegedly been trying to eye-gouge McCaw.
Dusautoir made no attempt to offer consolation to McCaw.
“I think more needs to be investigated about the incident as, of course, the illustrious award of player of the year surely involves elements of fair play.”
New Zealand team management were not available to immediately comment on the claims.
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