England captain Owen Farrell’s ban was the right outcome – but it’s been absolutely FARCICAL from start to finish according to 2003 World Cup winner Sir Clive Woodward.
The England captain’s four-game ban means he will miss the group matches against Argentina and Japan, with two warm-up fixtures also included.
Farrell’s red card had been overturned by an independent judicial committee, which was then overruled on Tuesday.
The appeal committee said the tackle was “always illegal”.
“Owen Farrell’s ban of four matches was confirmed on Tuesday night and it was the correct outcome,” wrote Woodward.
“But the way it has been reached has been absolutely farcical for him, England, and rugby as a whole. I feel really sorry for Farrell as he has been personally attacked needlessly throughout this saga.
“The end result of this whole sorry mess is that England’s captain will miss the first two games of the World Cup against Argentina and Japan.”
He continued: “I have consistently maintained that the game against the Pumas will define England’s World Cup campaign, so to be without one of his best players is a massive, massive blow to Borthwick.
“Especially when you consider Billy Vunipola is also highly likely to be suspended on Wednesday for his dangerous tackle and subsequent sending-off against Ireland.
“I think that it is a big ask for Smith to start at No 10 in the Argentina match. But whether Borthwick goes for him or Ford, it is a big opportunity for either of them to impress and lay down a marker.
“I would still imagine Borthwick will opt for Ford given he is a big fan of his ability and the two worked together to win the Premiership with Leicester.”
Games Farrell will miss:
- Ireland v England 19 August 2023
- England v Fiji 26 August 2023
- England v Argentina 9 September 2023
- England v Japan 17 September 2023
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.