Rugby: Betsen cited for alleged Dawson kick

FRENCH flanker Serge Betsen has been cited for allegedly kicking England scrum-half Matt Dawson in the head during their World Cup semi-final defeat on Sunday.

The IRB said Betsen, sin-binned during the match for a late tackle on Jonny Wilkinson, will appear before Rugby World Cup judicial officer Brian McLaughlin of Ireland tomorrow. Doug Hunt of Scotland is the citing commissioner.

Betsen faces a ban which would prevent him from playing in the third place play-off against New Zealand on Thursday.

England’s power and an Australian thunderstorm have destroyed France's hopes of World Cup glory, and left coach Bernard Laporte pondering his future.

“First, somebody has to ask me to stay on and nobody has done it so far,” he said.

“Then, if it comes, I shall think about it and ask myself if I still have the will, stamina and enthusiasm to carry on.

“I shall also talk to my children because they are now 13 and sometimes I feel I haven't seen them growing up.”