Kick costs Betsen six weeks ban

FRENCH flanker Serge Betsen was given a six week ban for kicking England scrum-half Matt Dawson in the head during their World Cup semi-final defeat on Sunday.

The International Rugby Board agreed yesterday that Betsen, sin-binned later during the match for a late tackle on England hero Jonny Wilkinson, was not guilty of a deliberate act but judged the kick imprudent.

France team manager Jo Maso said the incident took place as the players were pinned on the ground at the bottom of a ruck and Betsen was only trying to wriggle free.