25 Oct 2011

France fined for haka response

2:03 pm on 25 October 2011

The International Rugby Board has fined the French team $5000 for advancing on the All Blacks' haka at the start of the Rugby World Cup final.

The IRB says the fine is consistent with other transgressions of the same nature.

It has confirmed no citings were made after Sunday night's final at Eden Park despite claims Richie McCaw was eye gouged by a French player.

Commentator Keith Quinn told Morning Report he has information from within the All Blacks camp that a French player tried to eye gouge the All Blacks captain late in the final.

Quinn says the incident can clearly be seen on TV replays, with McCaw requiring medical attention to his face.

He says the incident may have been behind the All Blacks' apparent snubbing of the French in post match speeches and the fact the teams did not embrace after the New Zealanders won 8-7.

All Blacks media manager Jo Malcolm is unaware of the claims.

She says no official complaint has been made.

The IRB says the official period for any citings has now expired.