"Lawyered up" - RFU will appeal Freddie Steward's dismissal

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.

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

Planet Rugby 5/10: "A gritty game from the England lock as he disrupted Ireland’s rucks as much as possible. A risky approach, and he did concede two penalties for his efforts. He also missed a few tackles but did get some purchase with his carries"

Telegraph 6/10: "Looked pumped up pre-match and that continued. Soft penalty taking out O’Mahony at a line-out and while he toiled, he finished the tournament quietly."

RUCK 5/10: "Workmanlike performance but failed to impress once again. Conceded two penalties."

Replacement: Courtney Lawes

Mail Online 5/10: "Some box kicks were too long and uncontestable and No.9 slot is still up in the air."

Replacement: Raffie Quirke

Planet Rugby: "Seldom got the opportunity to shine on attack, making just three carries, but he did capitalise on those, gaining over 40 metres. He was caught out a few times defensively, missing three tackles."

Telegraph 6/10: "A first Test start. Brushed off by a stepping Hansen early but responded with a nice turnover. Uncertain kick return led to a turnover and was caught in a choke tackle. Tough."

Rugby Pass 4/10: "A first start for the 20-year-old won’t be fondly remembered as the Irish defence had his number."

Mail Online 5/10: "Got hands on ball but got collared by Irish before being replaced on the hour."

Replacement: Jack Nowell