Cite for Sale as Leinster report Titterrell for Miller ‘stamp’
Miller needed treatment to his face following the 11th minute incident and although he was able to continue in the game, the 28-year-old flanker can count himself lucky that Titterrell’s right boot did not inflict far more damage to his head.
However, in response to Leinster’s move, Sale have decided to cite the province’s giant second-row, Ben Gissing, for a similar incident in the same half.
Television pictures appear to indicate that the New Zealander’s stamp was less severe than the incident involving Titterrell, with Gissing’s boot landing on the back of a Sale forward’s leg rather than on his head.
“The incident involving Eric Miller was blatant and we had no real option but to cite the Sale player involved,” a Leinster spokesman admitted.
“As for the Ben Gissing incident, we’re hoping we get an early hearing so that things can be clarified before the return match.”
The ERC have yet to set a date for the disciplinary hearing but the tournament organisers have stated that they will “endeavour” to have both cases dealt with before the sides meet in their Pool 3 return fixture at Edgeley Park on Sunday.
However there appears to be a slight chance that the cases will not be dealt with before the game and in that situation the ERC confirmed that both players are considered “innocent until proven guilty” and will be clear to play in Sunday’s fixture.
Should both players line-out for the game, it will undoubtedly add extra spice to an already crucial occasion.
Meanwhile, Leinster finally received some good news on the injury front following the loss of Brian O’Driscoll for their final three Heineken Cup pool games. The Irish centre is now in rehab and is unlikely to join up with his provincial colleagues again until he has worked his way back to full fitness, but things are looking a bit brighter for the rest of the province’s backline.
Out-half Christian Warner trained with his colleagues yesterday and showed no side-effects of the hamstring injury which forced him to miss Friday’s defeat to Sale.
The Australian is almost certain to fill the number ten shirt in Sunday’s re-match after Matt Leek had a nightmare at out-half in the first game.
Winger Gordon D’Arcy, who hobbled out of Friday’s game with 10 minutes remaining, has also been given the all clear for next weekend’s game across the water.
Meanwhile, the Irish women’s rugby side will make history in March by playing at Twickenham as part of a 6 Nations double header.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has offered the Rugby Football Union for Women (RFUW) the option of playing their Ireland fixture prior to the senior men’s clash.
It is only the second time that a women’s International has been held on the grounds.
Last season England, eventual grand slam winners, hosted France at the same venue and Ireland’s representative side will now get a taste of the wonderful atmosphere Twickenham has to offer as they line out on March 6.
Former captain Fiona Steed, Ireland’s most capped player, spoke of her delight when the announcement to change the venue of the game from ‘The Stoop’ to Twickenham was announced.
“It’s the first time we have played at one of the major International stadiums and it’s a measure of the growth in the game and the respect women’s rugby is now being given.
“While I love playing in Thomond Park, my dream would still be to one day run out at Lansdowne Road.
“That said, playing at Twickenham will be a great opportunity for us to play against one of the best teams in the world.”
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