Ireland coach Declan Kidney has refuted claims that his players feigned injury during their 15-6 World Cup victory against Australia last weekend.

Former Wallaby Tim Horan made the accusations of unfair play in his column in an Australian newspaper, citing Australian-born Ireland assistant coach Alan Gaffney as his source.

"Ireland had a deliberate plan to fake injuries each time there was a breakdown in play so they could slow the game down and frustrate the Wallabies," Horan claimed. "How can I be sure? By talking to Irish assistant coach Alan Gaffney in the dressing rooms afterwards."

However, Kidney has insisted that there is no basis to the 'incredulous and scandalous' claims.

"What I can tell you for definite is that the reporter in question was never in the dressing room," he said. "The coach in question never spoke to him, so I'll let you make your own inferences into how he feels he can quote something that was never said.

"It's incredulous and slightly scandalous that he'd try to bring one of his fellow countrymen into something that is totally untrue. It's for other people to have their standards in life."

Ireland are currently preparing for a Pool C clash with Russia on Sunday (September 25).