England head coach Steve Borthwick is putting contingency plans in place just in case his captain Owen Farrell receives a significant ban.
The fly-half carved his place in history as the inaugural English player to witness a yellow card’s transformation into a red card, a consequence of the newly introduced ‘Bunker’ review mechanism. This pivotal verdict arose from a high tackle on Taine Basham.
Former international Andy Goode believes the skippers latest dismissal should lead to him being ruled out of the Rugby World Cup.
Goode wrote: “Whether it’s the England captain, a Pacific Islander or a player making his Premiership debut in the dock, the hit that got Owen Farrell sent off should be punished with at least a 10-week ban.
“World Rugby changed its high tackle sanction framework precisely for incidents like this and it’s the type of tackle that they are rightly trying very hard to eradicate from the game.
“Farrell is upright, out of control and flies in with a swinging arm intended to put Charlie Atkinson into next week or take his head off. It’s not just a mistimed tackle, it’s a horrific-looking hit. He’s completely blindsided him.
“You can look at it from every angle possible in terms of the incident itself and the regulations and framework but there is just no mitigation whatsoever.”
RUCK understands that Northampton Saints youngster Fin Smith would be the next cab off the rank if Farrell is ruled out the tournament.
Smith, grandson of former Scotland and British & Irish Lions loosehead prop Tom Elliot, arrived at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens from Worcester Warriors where he progressed through the Academy set-up, after beginning his club rugby at Shipston-on-Stour in Warwickshire before joining Warwick School.
Meanwhile, Ellis Genge would be installed as captain for the tournament.
RUGBY QUIZ:
Five most hated rugby players, named and ranked:
We have curated a compilation of individuals who, through their actions on and off the field, have acquired a regrettable reputation within the game. Their notoriety extends beyond specific fan bases or clubs; it encompasses the entire rugby community.
#5. Dan Biggar (Wales)
Amusingly, Biggar epitomizes the kind of player who manages to invoke strong dislike until he becomes a part of your own team.
Over the course of his career, this fly-half has exhibited a growing penchant for passionately berating referees.
This behavior has reached such heights that Glove39, a renowned online personality and unwavering fan of Scotland, cleverly crafted a video titled ‘birdman.’
In this video, Glove39 humorously mimicked Biggar’s habitual arm-raising expression of frustration directed at officials.