Contrite Sean O’Brien to miss clash with Argentina

Ireland’s hopes of reaching a first World Cup semi-final received another hammer blow last night as Sean O’Brien received a one-week ban that will see him miss Sunday’s quarter-final with Argentina.

After losing Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahony and with doubts remaining over Johnny Sexton’s fitness, which could mean a last-minute decision on the fly-half’s availability, a disciplinary suspension was the last thing head coach Joe Schmidt needed to disrupt preparations for the most important match of his Ireland career.

Yet, he will have to plan without O’Brien, a tireless man-of-the-match against France last Sunday in Cardiff in the 24-9 victory that secured top spot in Pool D. The flanker yesterday received a one-week ban after admitting to independent judicial officer Terry Willis of Australia he had committed an act of foul play when he struck France lock Pascal Pape in the stomach in the opening minute at the Millennium Stadium, contrary to Law 10.4(a).