Ireland Challenge Nigel Owens Ahead Of Six Nations Clash With France
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Ireland are relying on referee Nigel Owens to keep control of their Six Nations clash with France this weekend.
Clashes between the two sides have been marred by controversy over the last few years, with Jamie Heaslip suffering a broken vertebrae at the hands of lock Pascal Pape two years ago, while Johnny Sexton has been targeted by Les Blues on several occasions.
Pape was also involved in an incident that saw him provoke Sean O’Brien during their Rugby World Cup clash in 2015, a fiery encounter that also saw Ireland lose Paul O’Connell, Johnny Sexton and Peter O’Mahony to injuries.
Ireland assistant coach Richie Murphy said it’s up to the men in charge this weekend, to make sure the game is played in the right spirit.
“The officials are there to make sure that foul play isn’t tolerated, so it will be up to them to make sure the game is played in the right spirit.” said Ireland assistant coach Richie Murphy
“Our focus is very much on ourselves and how we do things. We’re not really worrying about what France are going to do. It’s up to the referee and his team to sort that out.”
If there was ever a man for the task, it’s Nigel Owens.
