Ireland prop Andrew Porter has shut down claims that he deliberately injured Antoine Dupont during their Six Nations showdown at the Aviva Stadium.
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Despite France storming to a 42-27 win, they suffered a major blow when their captain ruptured his cruciate ligamentjust 29 minutes into the match.
Porter and Tadhg Beirne escaped punishment for their roles in the breakdown that led to the injury, leaving the French camp furious. But the Leinster star isn’t having it.
“I sleep well at night” – Porter fires back
Porter was unfazed by Fabien Galthié’s calls for action, insisting he never intended to hurt Dupont.
“No, I wasn’t disappointed [about being cited]. I knew what I did; I didn’t go out to try and injure anyone. That’s not the type of player I am,” he told reporters.
“I even sent Antoine a message on Instagram just to see how he was. You never want to see anyone go off the pitch like that.
“If you have the head coach calling for your head, it’s a bit much. But he’s such a pivotal player for them that they nearly don’t want him to be touched at all.
“Look, he’s entitled to his opinion, but I know I haven’t done anything wrong there. I sleep well at night.”
“Unfortunate, but no intent”
Porter also broke down the moment that left Dupont facing months on the sidelines.
“His leg got trapped in between a ruck when he was trying to counter it and he just went over,” Porter explained.
“It happens so much in this sport. There was no malicious intent surrounding it at all. It’s obviously unfortunate and unlucky.”
With France seething and Ireland backing their man, this Six Nations fallout is far from over.
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Bookies Predict the Lions XV to Face Australia – Two England Players Start
Forwards
1. Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/2
A converted loosehead prop who started his career as a tighthead, Porter is a cornerstone of Ireland’s pack with his powerful scrummaging and relentless work rate around the pitch.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 3/10
One of the most dynamic hookers in world rugby, Sheehan offers explosive ball-carrying ability and strong set-piece play. He has become a key figure in Ireland’s recent successes.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 8/13
Arguably the best tighthead prop in the game, Furlong is known for his scrummaging dominance and remarkable skills in open play, often moving like a back despite his size.
4. Maro Itoje (England) – 1/5
The only Englishman in the starting XV, Itoje is a world-class lock with exceptional athleticism, lineout expertise, and a knack for disrupting opposition attacks. A Lions veteran, he’ll be vital for the tour.
5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 1/2
A rising star in Irish rugby, McCarthy has made a huge impact with his physicality and work rate in Leinster’s second row. He’s quickly becoming a dominant force in European rugby.
6. Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3
The 2022 World Player of the Year, Van der Flier is an outstanding openside flanker with relentless tackling, breakdown skills, and an ability to pop up in crucial moments.
7. Ben Earl (England) – 4/9
England’s standout forward in recent tournaments, Earl’s dynamic ball-carrying, high work rate, and speed make him a perfect fit for the Lions’ back row.
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/4
One of the best No.8s in world rugby, Doris combines intelligence, strength, and leadership. His ball-carrying ability and defensive prowess make him an essential selection.
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
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