Baby cited for ‘head-butt’
The 21-year-old has been summoned to appear before the Six Nations Disciplinary Commission tomorrow.
Baby, on his international debut, was given a verbal warning by referee Tony Spreadbury and Ireland were awarded a penalty for the incident early in the second half.
Baby enjoyed something of a mixed baptism, as he also scored one of the three tries which helped crush Ireland's Grand Slam dreams.
Meanwhile, Wales star Gavin Henson is predicting a fearsome Irish backlash in Saturday's title showdown.
"Ireland will be going all out to prove a point after losing the way they did against France," said the Wales centre.
"They were at home and going for the Grand Slam so they are going to be desperate to put things right against us. But we should not fear them. We have come a long way during this championship and everyone is looking forward to the last game."
Henson has oozed confidence since his virtuoso display against England and that has rubbed off on the rest of the team, given their stunning first half demolition of Scotland on Sunday.
But the 23-year-old admits there was muted celebrations at Murrayfield given their second-half slump.
"It shows the character of this squad and just how far we have come that we were actually a bit disappointed when we came off the field. We were obviously delighted to get the win because that's the fourth of the championship and our third away from home. We're still on track for something special.
"But we know there are still plenty of areas to work on following our performance in the second half. We're still striving to put together the whole 80-minute performance and there wouldn't be a better time than against Ireland this weekend."
Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan said yesterday there would be no major inquest into his side's Grand Slam failure.
"There is always a danger of beating yourself up when you lose a game. We could say we lost because we played poorly, but that clearly wasn't the case," he said.
"France are a very good side. They have a big pack who can stick it up their jumper and they have some great pace in the backs. We keep forgetting they've won two Grand Slams in three years that doesn't happen by accident.
"There are bits and pieces I'd like us to improve on such as our possession at the line-out and the way we start a game. But there's not an awful lot that needs changing because the result was decided by one score.
"The challenge for us now is to lift the players for Wales and that will be a big test for the staff and management. It won't be easy but we're in good shape. We just have to keep our focus and intensity."
O'Sullivan added: "We are evenly matched sides in the top half of the table. Wales beat France by six points while France beat us by seven. Everyone predicted it would be a very tight Six Nations and that's how it has been."
It is uncertain how long this Ireland team will remain together, with a handful of players reaching the twilight of their careers.
But 33-year-old hooker Shane Byrne insists Irish rugby has the resources to rebuild successfully.
He said: "The depth of the squad will take care of the rebuilding when it happens. If players have a bad day there are people there who can take over.
"Everyone's position in the team is balanced on a knife edge. That's the good thing about this squad. When guys slip out someone else can fill their boots without any problem."
France demoted Ireland to fifth in the IRB world rankings with Saturday's 26-19 victory.
If Eddie O'Sullivan's charges had lost by 15 points they would have slipped to sixth.
IRB Rankings (1) New Zealand 90.90; (2) Australia 88.58; (3) South Africa 85.78; (4) France 84.67; (5) Ireland 82.90; (6) England 82.81; (7) Wales 82.32; (8) Argentina 77.63; (9) Fiji 74.17; (10) Scotland 73.48.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
