In a source of frustration for England supporters, the Chilean team’s captain narrowly avoided a red card for a challenge strikingly reminiscent of the one that led to Tom Curry’s dismissal.
This Autumn, Ruck’s England content will be powered by Charles Tyrwhitt, as they introduce an exclusive assortment of England Rugby apparel and accessories within the Tyrwhitt Supporter Collection. Not only do they back the team, but they also elevate your wardrobe.
The incident unfolded during Curry’s return to the pitch following his absence since the Premiership final, as referee Matthieu Raynal brandished the red card a mere three minutes into the game against Argentina.
Curry’s expulsion stemmed from a perceived dangerous tackle on Puma’s full-back, Juan Cruz Mallia, who had leaped into the air to secure a high ball.
Remarkably, today’s match featured an eerily similar occurrence, as Martin Sigren of Chile committed a head-on-head tackle against Japan.
However, much to the consternation of England fans, Sigren’s action did not warrant an upgrade, resulting in a mere sin-bin punishment shortly before halftime.
One fan wrote: “If England have any sense they’ll be showing this to as clear evidence to overturn Currys.”
A second commented: “I would be interested to hear why that wasn’t a red card and Tom Curry’s was? I’m not entirely sure either should have been red.”
Another wrote: “This tackle not being upgraded just shows the bias against England. We get refereed different.”
“Simply don’t get why the one in this game wasn’t a red but Curry‘s was? Surely consistency isn’t too much to ask for,” commented a fourth.
Former USA international Will Hooley added: “Tom Curry’s lawyer has a much easier job now…”
Another fan added: “Surely that means the Curry red card will be overturned. The Chilean had longer than he did to adjust yet only gets yellow.”
“Abject” – Three England players Steve Borthwick must change, and who should replace them
Despite this triumph, there remains room for improvement in England’s starting lineup, and we believe that Borthwick should consider implementing three changes to further enhance the team’s prospects moving forward.
#1. Tom Curry
Telegraph 2/10: “The flanker was overeager in defence after an injury, red-carded after a TMO bunker review for a slightly unfortunate head-on-head collision in the third minute.”
RUCK 0/10: “Sent off after just two minutes. Some may say unlucky, but the flanker really left the officials no choice.”
Planet Rugby 1/10: “Some said he was unlucky, but ultimately he was high in contact and paid the price. Fortunately, his team-mates bailed him out. “
Rugby Pass 0/10: “Was hailed in the build-up as the potential missing link for the England defence as he arrived in France without playing a single minute of the four-game Summer Nations Series. That idea quickly went out the window, though. “
The Guardian 2/10: “Palpably fired up before the match, having not played since May, but lasted less than three minutes before a red card, via the bunker, for an overzealous tackle on Juan Cruz Mallía.”
Replacement: Jack Willis