Six Nations: Ireland's Andrew Porter says no malice in Antoine Dupont challenge

Ireland prop Andrew Porter has insisted there was no foul play or malice in the incident which saw France captain Antoine Dupont rupture the ligaments in his right knee.

Dupont was forced from the pitch after half an hour during France's win over Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Porter's entry into a ruck caused lock Tadgh Beirne to fall on Dupont's leg as the Frenchman attempted to steal the ball. The incident left France coach Fabien Galthié fuming.

However, Porter said he has no issues with his role in the incident.

"He [Galthié] can say what he wants, see how far it gets him," Porter said.

"I knew what I did. I didn't go out to try to injure anyone. That's not the type of player I am. He's such a pivotal player for them that they nearly don't want him to be touched at all.

"He [Galthié] is entitled to his opinion, but I know I haven't done anything wrong there. I sleep well at night.

"It was a rugby incident. I can barely remember exactly what it is. I think it was in a ruck, his leg got trapped in between a ruck, when he was trying to counter it and he obviously just got trapped and went over, but that's rugby, that happens."

Porter and Ireland must pick themselves up ahead of a trip to Rome on Saturday, with their Six Nations title hopes still technically alive, even though they need other results to go their way.

"We can sit around and sulk all we like but we have another job to do next Saturday. If anything it has emboldened us to go out and put out the rugby we know we can play," Porter said.

"We've got Italy on their home patch, an incredibly proud team. We'll go out there to do what we know we can do and put out a performance we can be proud of as players."