The Ben Earl red card was one of the main talking points during London Irish epic 29-20 win against Saracens at the Brentford Community Stadium.
The Exiles survived a spell with just 12 men to hand Saracens their first Premiership defeat of the campaign in an absorbing contest.
Ollie Hassell-Collins and Chandler Cunningham-South crossed for Irish and Paddy Jackson kicked 19 points, with both sides seeing red for high tackles.
Exiles captain Adam Coleman went in the opening 40 when his shoulder connected with hooker Tom Woolstencroft’s head.
Saracens and England hopeful Ben Earl’s failure to wrap and contact with the head saw him also depart in a first half lasting about an hour.
One fan commented: “The game is finished. This is like watching touch rugby with this ref.”
Another said: “It’s a cheap shot, arms tucked and player is already tackled so it’s a red all day. Not a dirty player but made a poor decision.”
A third wrote: “Just don’t make the hit. The player is already tackled. If he didn’t try to make an extra unnecessary shot he would still be on the pitch.”
“I have no sympathy for players who two or three years down the line still haven’t learned, I understand why it could be considered harsh but that’s the way it is now. Get with it, or keep getting red cards.” said another
Ben Earl red card:
How England will likely line-up against Scotland with Steve Borthwick in charge
Steve Borthwick will likely move on some of England’s underperforming veterans after he was confirmed as Eddie Jones replacement.
The 43-year-old is joined by defence coach Kevin Sinfield, who he has worked with at Leicester since 2021.
Borthwick joins on a five-year contract.
The former England captain’s first match in charge will be the Six Nations opener against Scotland on 4 February and the Rugby Football Union said the rest of his coaching team would be announced “in the coming weeks”.
Below, using how he has set up at Leicester, we take a look at how England’s XV might look under Borthwick.
Fans have widely speculated that Ellis Genge, who was his captain during their Premiership triumph, could be given the armband.
Steve Borthwick’s England XV
Back-three:
- 15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
- 14. Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish)
- 11. Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers)
Centres:
- 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
- 12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath)
