France could be without Axelle Berthoumieu for their World Cup semi-final against England following an alleged bite on Ireland's Aoife Wafer - an incident that has overshadowed an otherwise dramatic quarter-final clash at Sandy Park.

Ireland, who had stormed to a 13-0 lead by half-time, saw their hopes of a historic semi-final berth slip away as France mounted a second-half comeback to win 18-13.

But the result was quickly eclipsed by controversy when footage emerged appearing to show Berthoumieu biting Wafer's arm during a breakdown.

Former England captain Maggie Alphonsi condemned the incident as "disgraceful."

Speaking to the BBC, she said: "I hate seeing that in the game - men's or women's. It's very clear. She should be punished for that.

"It's sad because the Women's Rugby World Cup has been a celebration.

"It's such a shame that now the headlines are going to be dominated by a silly incident from a player who didn't need to do that. Now she will potentially miss the rest of the World Cup."