Rugby World Cup: France edge out Wales in semi-final

Warburton's red costs Wales dear in 9-8 loss.

AUCKLAND:

Wales captain Sam Warburton was dramatically sent off against France in the rugby World Cup semi-final, a decisive blow in a match his side went on to lose 9-8.

Openside flanker Warburton was red-carded in the 19th minute for a tip tackle on Vincent Clerc that saw the France wing land on his head after being lifted up in the air. Wales were leading 3-0 at the time.

Morgan Parra kicked three penalties to give France a 9-3 lead heading into the final quarter but a brilliant try by Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips cut the French advantage to just a point. Warburton was heart-broken after the match.

"I am gutted but there was no malicious intent," he insisted.

Wales coach Warren Gatland was extremely critical of the referee's decision.

"He's lifted him, that's a yellow card, but he's not driven him into the ground," said Gatland. "Does that mean every time there's a tackle where you lift someone it's a red card? Why spoil the semi-final with a red card? He's not a dirty player. I'm just gutted."

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2011.