Cotter questions decision to allow Reds skipper off hook

Clermont Auvergne coach Vern Cotter has cranked up the heat ahead of Saturday’s Heineken Cup semi-final by claiming Paul O’Connell was protected by officials over the incident with Dave Kearney.

Cotter, speaking at a press conference at Stade Marcel Michelin yesterday morning, said he was surprised O’Connell was not cited for the kick which knocked out the Leinster man.

“Yeah, I was surprised. You almost get the felling he is being protected.

“I think all of us in the rugby world were surprised when nothing more came of it.

“But the decision has been made. We are moving forward and we know he is in the team opposite us and we will be looking to see what he brings to the game and we will try and counter him. We’ll try get our game in place and get him puffing a bit.”

Cotter said he does not know if the incident would be handled differently in the Top14.

“I don’t know. The decision has been made and it’s conjecture now. We have to get on with the job.”

Clermont received a big boost yesterday morning when Australian Brock James returned to training and will be in the squad for Saturday’s clash at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier. However, the French giants are sweating on the availability of skipper Aurelien Rougerie, who suffered a thigh injury in the weekend win over Toulouse which secured a semi-final spot in the Top14.

Cotter said: “If he comes in it will be later in the week. We haven’t been able to train with our captain up to now so we are a little bit disjointed.

“I’m confident the guys will, when we get everyone on deck, be able to get out and try and put something together.

“Brock will be in the 23. David Skrela hasn’t been able to train at the start of the week but he should be available towards the end. It has been a bit of a trouble, it’s been a difficult start to the week. We haven’t been able to train with the 15 players that will take to the field yet.

“We are sort of patching guys up and getting medical staff to give us a run down and an assessment of where those players are, whether they’ll come in on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday,” added Cotter.

Hopes that one cap All-Black Mike Delany, who has joined from Japanese club Panasonic Wild Knights for two years, would be available were dashed by the ERC yesterday after ruling the out-half was not eligible to play as he was not registered by the March 21 deadline.

“He’s injured anyway, even if he was available he wouldn’t be able to play. So that finishes that one,” said Cotter.

The Kiwi said there is no danger of them underestimating Munster, noting that their win over Harlequins showed just what they are capable of in Europe.

“I think Munster have looked backwards to move forwards. I think they have gone back to their DNA. Something that has made them a historical team in the Heineken Cup.

“They are a gutsy lot. They have got their leader back in Paul O’Connell. They’ve drawn the wagons around and they are ready to have a crack.”