Munster’s Niall Scannell to be assessed after alleged biting incident in Stormers win

Apparent incident happened during third quarter of province’s win at Thomond Park

Niall Scannell carries during Munster’s win over the Stormers. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho
Niall Scannell carries during Munster’s win over the Stormers. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho

Munster head coach Johann van Graan has said that the province will go through the correct channels and that Niall Scannell will be examined by their medical team in light of an allegation that the Munster hooker received a bite during their 34-18 win over the Stormers at Thomond Park.

The apparent incident, which led to Munster captain Peter O’Mahony informing match referee Andrew Brace that one of his teammates had a bite mark on his leg, happened in the third quarter.

“Niall reported that to Pete on the pitch, the referee had a look at it, they couldn’t see any evidence of it, but we’ll go through the right channels.”

Asked if Scannell will be examined by the team doctor, Van Graan confirmed: “He will be (examined). We haven’t spoken to the medical team as such but that will take place later tonight, any player who reports anything to the medical team will be looked at.”

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As for Munster’s overall performance, which saw them make it two bonus point wins from two against South African opposition,

“I’d say I am satisfied with two bonus points, satisfied we showed composure, happy we adapted to what our opponents threw at us, we have things to work on, looking forward to review of game.”

O’Mahony said: “You saw what they brought in the first half, we really struggled as they made a mess of our breakdown. We could not get out of our half. Territory wise we had no ball.

“Credit the Stormers, they were incredibly impressive.

“We knew we had fitness in our bank and knew if we could hang in there, we would get scores.”

Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley is Rugby Correspondent of The Irish Times