Wales v Australia: Mike Phillips faces no action for stamp

Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips will not face disciplinary action for appearing to stamp on the hand of Australia fly-half Quade Cooper.

Citing commissioner Murray Whyte has analysed the incident and felt it unworthy of any sanction.

Phillips could have faced a maximum year-long ban if he had been charged and found guilty.

Legend Martyn Williams said Phillips was "a bit naughty" in stamping on Cooper during Wales' 30-26 defeat.

Television footage also appears to show fly-half Cooper trying to bite Phillips in retaliation during Australia's win.

"That wasn't the only incident either," Williams, a winner of 100 Wales caps, told Scrum V Extra Time.

Fellow pundit Justin Marshall added: "It's not pleasant getting your hand stamped on like that either."

It does not appear officials picked up on the incidents on the day of the match.

The International Rugby Board had a citing commissioner at the game, Irishman Murray Whyte.

But if he chose to refer the incident to the game's authorities, that would have had to be done no more than 24 hours after the final whistle in Cardiff on Saturday.

Stamping can lead to bans of between two and 52 weeks, depending on the nature of the offence.

Biting is viewed as among the sport's most heinous offences, with potential suspensions ranging from 12 weeks to four years.

However Williams, who played alongside Phillips for Wales, Cardiff Blues and the British and Irish Lions, as well as playing against the 78-cap player, does not believe Cooper made contact on Phillips with his teeth.

"I don't think Quade Cooper's actually bitten Mike because Mike would have reacted if somebody sinks their teeth in.

"If somebody sinks your teeth into your calf you're not just walking away.

"There's no place for biting in the game at all and niggly stuff goes on so they obviously had a little bit in for each other.

Former All Black Marshall says Phillips, 31, could have "broken one of Cooper's fingers or something, quite comfortably".

Phillips is set to join a new club, having been sacked by Top 14 French club Bayonne in October and is hoping to play this weekend.