France coach Philippe Saint-Andre urged the Rugby World Cup officials to do their job after Sean O’Brien’s punch went unpunished on Sunday.
O’Brien was caught on cameras hitting French forward Pascal Pape in the stomach off-the-ball during Ireland’s historic Pool D win in Cardiff.
The Tullow man escaped punishment from referee Nigel Owen at the time, and the Television Match Official (TMO) wasn’t used.
Saint-Andre feels aggrieved that the TMO didn’t get called into action and has said he hopes for better in the future.
"It was an attack after 23 seconds I hope the TMO will do their job next time," a clearly disgruntled Saint-Andre said on Monday, less than 24 hours after his team’s bruising 24-9 defeat.
"Usually you go back to the footage. I have the feeling they did not do that this time."
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said he was hopeful O'Brien would escape disciplinary action.
"I think he's being held and he swung. It's not a closed fist, but it's not a decision for me. I'd be hopeful," he said.
France face holders New Zealand in the quarter-finals on Saturday and Ireland take on Argentina the following day.
