The Ospreys and Perpignan met at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday for what turned out to be a highly uninspiring game of Heineken Cup rugby. The star studded home team managed to win 15-9, but it was anything but impressive.
The only real talking point of the match, besides the dull factor, would be the 30th minute punch from Ospreys prop Paul James. The front rower was lucky to stay on the field after flooring Romanian hooker Marius Tincu with a swinging forearm/punch that looked to have landed square in the jaw.
Neither Wayne Barnes, nor either one of his
assistant referees
spotted the incident, therefore James got away with it, while Tincu lay dazed on the turf.
Ospreys coach Sean Holley has since voiced his concern regarding marks around the eyes of some of his players. When asked directly if his players had been gouged though, his response was more guarded.
I am not saying it is eye-gouging, but it is something that has increased in the game in the last year or so.”
Something clearly provoked the Ospreys prop. Its difficult to see on the video, but the reality of it is that he will no doubt be cited and suspended within the next day or so.
Time:
02:33
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