Ben White Slammed for 'Oscar worthy' Injury Simulation Against France
Rugby NewsSaturday, 15 March 2025 at 20:41
After Gregory Alldritt won a crucial penalty for France, Scotland scrum-half Ben White was bundled to the ground—only to find himself at the centre of controversy.
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French hooker Peato Mauvaka made head contact with White, sparking a heated debate over the severity of the incident.
Despite being sent to the bunker, the decision remained a yellow card, leaving many fans unimpressed—not just with the call, but with White’s reaction.
Social media was quick to call out the Scotland No.9:
- "Ben White totally milked it there. Nothing to be proud about."
- "Ben White also deserves a yellow card for behaving like a soccer player."
- "More play-acting in rugby by Ben White. Absolutely pathetic. This has got to stop."
- "Lol at the commentators calling out Ben White for over-exaggerating. This isn’t football, Ben!"
- "Someone needs to tell Ben White he’s a rugby player!"
- "If that head contact was as bad as White made out, why isn’t he off for an HIA?"
While some fans were outraged at White, others turned their focus to the disciplinary decision itself.
Former Scotland forward Jim Hamilton was convinced Mauvaka’s yellow would be upgraded:
"Mauvaka's yellow is 100% going to get upgraded to a red card. It’s something violent and physical—I doubt we’ll see him back on the field."
Meanwhile, ex-Scotland hooker Fraser Brown took an even stronger stance:
"Ben White is laying on the floor, and Peato Mauvaka dives at him. It’s a flying headbutt straight to the face. That’s a straight red. The whistle has gone. It’s direct head contact—I cannot agree with this process."
A fiery debate that isn’t dying down anytime soon. Was White guilty of overreacting, or should Mauvaka have seen red?
Five England players blacklisted by Steve Borthwick – one wants to quit for Six Nations rival
From a fullback who was once undroppable to a powerful winger who was compared to Jonah Lomu, here are five England stars who have fallen completely out of favour—one of whom could be lost to Wales for good.
Freddie Steward – The rock-solid fullback cast aside
It wasn’t long ago that Freddie Steward was considered a guaranteed starter for England. A defensive rock under the high ball and a reliable last line of defence, he played a crucial role in England’s World Cup campaign.
Yet, in a shocking turn of events, Borthwick has axed him in favour of Marcus Smith—a player who isn’t even a specialist fullback. This drastic move highlights just how far Steward has fallen in the pecking order. Nobody saw this coming.
Zach Mercer – From France’s best to England’s forgotten man
Zach Mercer’s return to the Premiership was met with serious hype. After being named Top 14 Player of the Year at Montpellier, it seemed inevitable that he would finally be given a proper shot in an England jersey.
A call-up to a World Cup training camp suggested Borthwick was keen to reintegrate him, but Mercer never added to his two caps. His stint at Gloucester has been frustrating, and with reports suggesting he’ll leave at the end of the season, his England career looks all but over.
Joe Cokanasiga – Eight years later, still on the fringes
This summer marks EIGHT years since Joe Cokanasiga was first called into an England squad. His blend of power and pace drew early comparisons to Jonah Lomu, and at just 19, he looked set for a long international career.
Yet, despite earning 14 caps, he has never been able to cement a regular starting role. A surprise recall before the 2023 World Cup ended in disappointment, as he was cut after an underwhelming warm-up match against Wales. Despite some strong performances for Bath this season, Borthwick remains unconvinced.
The England boss reportedly gave Cokanasiga areas to improve on, but with no recall in sight, his international future remains in doubt.
Ollie Hassell-Collins – Ignored by England, wanted by Wales
Hassell-Collins looked like a long-term England winger when Borthwick handed him his debut in 2023. However, after just two caps in last year’s Six Nations, he has completely vanished from England’s plans.
Not only was he ignored for the current Six Nations squad, but he was also left out of the England A side that faced Portugal. Instead, Warren Gatland has taken notice, with the Wales boss openly discussing Hassell-Collins’ eligibility to switch allegiances.
The Leicester Tigers winger himself has admitted he could be tempted to play for Wales. Speaking to The Telegraph, he said: “I’ve got two caps for England, and obviously I’m English. But if I don’t see anything in the next few years then it’s definitely something that I would consider.”
Could England be about to lose him to their biggest Six Nations rival?
Tom Pearson – One cap and counting…
At 25, Pearson is still an exciting prospect, but he has only managed a single England cap to date. His physicality makes him a standout performer at club level, yet Borthwick clearly doesn’t see him as the answer to England’s back-row dilemma.
While other uncapped players have leapfrogged him into recent squads, Pearson remains on the outside looking in. With England’s back-row options constantly evolving, his wait for another chance could be a long one.
Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?
The British & Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand in 2005 remains one of the most talked-about campaigns in rugby history.
Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!
Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!
Name England's Matchday 22 from the 2003 Rugby World Cup final?
Surnames only are accepted.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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