Double accusations of eye-gouging

Both New Zealand and South Africa have lodged eye-gouging complaints following their respective Tests against France and Ireland.

Both New Zealand and South Africa have lodged complaints relating to eye-gouging following their respective Test matches against France and Ireland on Saturday.

The All Blacks have filed an official complaint with the International Rugby Board after prop Tony Woodcock suffered abrasions around his eyes during the 39-12 win over France in Marseille.

“There's no doubt Tony got a facial, that's how he described it,” All Blacks' assistant coach Steve Hansen told the NZPA

“We asked the citing commissioner to have a look at it and we'll leave it in his hands.”

“We're not going moan about it. There's a process and he'll have a look at it and if there's nothing to answer, then we'll just get on with it.”

Hansen said their complaint was hampered by the fact there was no clear video footage of the incident.

“We had a look for it (footage) and we couldn't find anything, so as far as we're concerned it's over. Most things that happen on the field should stay there,” he added.

The officer has 48 hours to decide whether any player has a case to answer but Woodcock said television footage of the incident was inconclusive and was happy to let the matter rest.

At the same time, South Africa have accused Ireland number eight Jamie Heaslip of eye-gouging flanker Heinrich Brussow during their 15-10 loss at Croke Park.

The Springboks have asked citing commissioner Douglas Hunter to review the incident which took place during the first half.

The is bound to be plenty of emotional reaction to the allegations after Bok flank Schalk Burger was accused of eye-gouging Irish wing Luke Fitzgerald during the British & Irish Lions tour. Burger was found guilty on a lesser charge.

It is an unusual step for the Springboks to lay such a complaint after steadfastly refused to complain to match officials this season.