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Dan Biggar from Wales is approached by Paul Willemse and Charles Ollivon from France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier / Getty Images)
France’s second line Paul Willemse will face a Six Nations disciplinary committee on Tuesday, a few days before his country’s decisive match against Scotland.
Willemse was sent off on Saturday for making contact with the eye area of Welsh prop Alun Wyn Jones in the victory at the Stade de France.
If he is suspended, he will miss the decisive Six Nations game delayed by coronavirus on Friday. France needs a big win to win the title.
Willemse’s hearing will be held by videoconference, the Six Nations said, explaining that his case revolved around Law 9.12 that covers “dangerous play, eye contact or eye area.”
In the 67th minute of Saturday’s game, Willemse, who was on the ground, reached out to push Wyn Jones away from a ruck, grabbing the Wales pillar by the back of the head. When Jones fell back, Willemse’s fingers slid over his eye.
France coach Fabien Galthie said after the game that he had seen nothing wrong with Willemse’s grip.
“I don’t think he deserves heavy punishment, I think he deserves leniency,” Galthie said. “When you look at the images, for me there is no contact.”
“I’m sure the referee will be able to see that it was not deliberate contact,” Galthie added.
Irishman Bundee Aki, who was sent off on Saturday for a dangerous tackle in a 32-18 win over England, also faces an audience on Tuesday.
