It’s been confirmed that the RFU will try to overturn Freddie Steward’s red card against Ireland at a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday.
Steward was sent off just before half-time after his elbow accidentally made contact with Hugo Keenan’s head.
The Ireland fullback left the field for a head injury assessment, which he failed.
Stricter refereeing around dangerous challenges is part of World Rugby’s efforts to reduce head injuries, but critics have raised concerns over red cards deciding the outcome of matches.
Ireland led 10-6 when Steward left the field and went on to win 29-16 in Dublin.
According to The Times, England have lawyered up with their big guns and have no intention of accepting the charges against the 22-year-old fullback.
Part of their mounting evidence is the statement by World Rugby’s research scientist Ross Tucker, who helped to design the high-tackle framework that informs refereeing decisions, after he revealed to The Times Steward should have been shown a yellow card.
“Out of his depth”- Four England players who now need dropped, and who should replace them
Four players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them in the run up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
#1. Alex Dombrandt
RUCK 5/10: “Caught out defensively again. Poor.”
Telegraph 6/10: “Late hit on Sexton put England under pressure and he was left on an island chasing Van der Flier before Sheehan’s try. Better here, but was it enough long-term”
Planet Rugby 6/10: “The number eight didn’t quite rise to the occasion again, and while he did have some success with his carries, he still isn’t fronting up physically.
Rugby Pass 4.5/10: “With Zach Mercer back from France when England will next play he needed a big game following last week’s anonymity, but it didn’t materialise. Deserved kudos for holding Johnny Sexton up over the line off a penalty tap but otherwise struggled to impose himself in the first half. There was no impact carrying and his defence was exposed for the opening Irish try, getting flummoxed by the inside pass when trying to provide protection in the first channel away from a maul..”
Mail Online 5/10: “Challenge on Johnny Sexton gifted Ireland penalty in first half but did share of defending.”
Replacement: Zach Mercer
