"Game spoilt" - Another debatable red five days after Freddie Steward dismissal - Ruck

“Game spoilt” – Another debatable red five days after Freddie Steward dismissal

Newcastle Falcons prop Richard Palframan was shown a red card for a ‘shoulder to the head with a tucked arm’

One fan wrote: “Rugby is ruined. Contact sport. Absolute rubbish. Had to spend 5 minutes deciding. Taken all enjoyment out of the game, tonight and in general.”

A second commented: “Another rugby game ruined by a Red card. Was turning into a great game. Not anymore.”

Another said: “Absolute fucking farce! And they wonder why attendances are down.”

A fourth commented: “He was unlucky there. That’s from a glaws fan.”

Another wrote: “See this is the problem with the framework. The in game action to this is the same as someone head butting. We can talk about post game sanctions but that doesn’t change the match. Foul play yes, not a red card. The option for a 20 min red card with the player being replaced:

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“No Marcus Smith” – How England would line-up under Andy Farrell

Andy Farrell praised the joined-up thinking of Irish rugby and insisted he has no reason to return home for a job in England.

Since being sacked by the RFU after the 2015 World Cup, Farrell has forged a reputation as one of the game’s leading coaches, steering Ireland to No 1 in the world rankings.

England made enquiries about bringing him back to Twickenham when Eddie Jones was sacked, but was told where to go by their former employee.

Below, we take a look at the team we think Farrell would name considering his current Ireland selection.

How England would line-up under Andy Farrell:

Back-three:

#15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)

#14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)

#11. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)

Jack Nowell of Exeter Chiefs during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester Rugby at Sandy Park, Exeter on 28th January 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

Centre:

#13. Elliot Daly (Saracens)

#12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)

A frustrated Ollie Lawrence of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

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