Munster Rugby and the IRFU were both maintaining a dignified silence last night following accusations in a French newspaper that pressure had been applied to avoid Paul O’Connell being cited for the alleged striking of Leinster’s Dave Kearney.

It was mid-morning last Saturday and the press corps following the Republic of Ireland was arriving at Arka Gdynia’s stadium in dribs and drabs for duties ahead of the last Group C game, against Italy.

Like many of his Irish comrades, Conor Murray was a different player in Christchurch from the opening night disaster in Auckland.

Munster 9 Leinster 18

The England squad will find out this evening whether one of their players will be cited for allegedly biting Stephen Ferris during their Six Nations encounter in Twickenham on Saturday.

SOUTH AFRICA head coach Peter de Villiers believes his side are ready for the World Cup knockout phase after advancing from Pool D with a 100% record following a bruising win over Samoa at North Harbour Stadium.

OPINION was divided afterwards, more or less along lines of partiality.

SERIAL offenders and even cheats according to Scottish coach Andy Robinson.

WINNING at Wembley last October must have been sweet enough in itself but Leinster’s memories of the legendary venue were embellished even further when Saracens coach Brendan Venter vented his fury after the game.

LEINSTER’S semi-final slot was in doubt right up to the final whistle when Harlequins did everything to engineer a winning drop goal from Nick Evans. Had he succeeded, all hell could have erupted as his re-entry to the field was shrouded in controversy.

WASPS captain Lawrence Dallaglio was unhappy with referee Nigel Owens’ decision to sin-bin Simon Shaw in Saturday’s Heineken Cup showdown, describing it as the “turning point” of the game.

Leicester 19 Munster 21