Social media blew up following England fullback Freddie Steward’s controversial red card against Ireland in Dublin.
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England cricket captain Ben Stokes wrote “Red card??????????? Shambles shambles shambles, Rugby being ruined”
He went onto add: “Anyone trying to defend that red card decision at the half time break is just trying to look after them selves.”
Joe Marler added: “red card??????????? Shambles shambles shambles, Rugby being ruined,:
England legend Jason Robinson commented: “Absolutely ridiculous!!!! That was a Yellow card at best.”
Jonathan Joseph added: “Absolute shambles.”
Next up was Austin Healey, writing: “Bullshit!!! The ball was knocked on he was bracing for impact and turning away …Utter shite decision”
Will Carling commented: “Steward had a split second to react – after a knock on – to a man running at him. Of course his instinct should be to make himself as vulnerable as possible – there was no intent – he was protecting himself – what a bloody joke”
Andy Goode said: “Awful call from Jaco Peyper, that’s a rugby incident never a red card for Steward.”
Ronan O’Gara would rip up England’s backline
Ronan O’Gara sparked rumours of one day coaching England after admitting he would “love” the opportunity.
“Yeah it would be a great job I think actually, what a team,” said O’Gara.
“I think there’s so much potential there, serious rugby players, serious passion for the game in England. It’s a cracking job. You’d love to have a go off that.”
Speaking to BT Sport, O’Gara went into detail on his strategy built around ‘KBA’, standing for ‘Keep Ball Alive’. His time with the Crusaders was pivotal.
“It’s a mindset, something that interests me hugely. There’s a massive ruck focus in the northern hemisphere and then when you go to the Crusaders it’s ‘KBA’ – keep ball alive.” A
We made up this backline based on quotes from the former Ireland fly-half along with the style of rugby he currently deploys with La Rochelle.
RONAN O’GARA’S ENGLAND BACK-LINE:
BACK-THREE:
15. Freddie Steward
14. Jack Nowell
11. Henry Arundell
