There was controversy during Wales’ clash when referee James Coleman called for James Botham to leave the field for a head injury assessment (HIA) following a tackle by Valetini.
However, a team doctor controversially overruled the decision, allowing the flanker to stay on the pitch.
One fan expressed their disbelief, writing: “Botham was sparked… I cannot believe the team Dr’s have let him stay on.”
Another added: “Botham should be off for an HIA. Even if he’s only ‘stung’ and out for 2 seconds, he’s still out.”
A third fan echoed the sentiment: “Surely Botham needs a HIA there?”
Several fans pointed to the ref’s actions, with one saying: “I can’t remember his exact words but during that stoppage the ref twice said that James Botham was out … and yet he doesn’t go for an HIA?”
Another wrote: “That was bizarre. Ref stops the play for a HIA concern with James Botham after tackline Valetini, says he was clearly stunned, calls for a HIA, but Botham stays on. Surely if a ref calls for a HIA, it has to happen no?”
And one fan simply said: “BOTHAM clearly out cold wtf.. Great reffing, awful by the medics.”
What do you think? Should Botham have been sent off for the HIA or was the doctor’s call the right one?
Editors picks:
- Sir Clive Woodward slams England players behaviour after fifth straight loss
- Springboks Employ Controversial Tactic England Faced Criticism For Using
- RFU have already made Final Call on Sacking England Boss Steve Borthwick
- Bookies Favourites to Replace Under-Fire Steve Borthwick – Including Two Former England Bosses
- Fans turn on captain George after interview following latest defeat
Five England players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them
RUCK’s Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.
Here’s how each player fared, with ratings from multiple outlets:
#1. Freddie Steward – High Ball Hero, Defensive Zero?
Average Rating: 4.75/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Handed a first start this autumn due to his ability under the high ball, but struggled. Williams and Kolbe skinned him for their tries.” - Telegraph (5/10):
“Definition of sublime and ridiculous. Left clutching thin air for both Grant Williams’ and Cheslin Kolbe’s tries and at one stage did a face plant. Also some brilliant high-ball takes.” - Express (4/10):
“At fault for tries by Kolbe and Williams as he endured a difficult return to starting line-up.” - Rugby Pass (5/10):
“Exposed defensively for two tries, despite strong aerial work.”
Replacement: George Furbank – He shouldn’t have been dropped in the first place.
#2. Ellis Genge – The Genge Rollercoaster
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Let Williams slip past him as the scrum-half went over for South Africa’s opening try. Improved after that, though, and was bright in the loose – but not at his best.” - Express (4/10):
“Scrum problems in first half, usual full-blooded commitment for an hour.”
Replacement: Fin Baxter – Genge’s leadership was strong, but a change may be needed in the tighthead role.
#3. Ollie Lawrence – Hits, Misses, and a Bit More of the Same
Average Rating: 5/10
- Telegraph (5/10):
“Barely used as a ball-carrier again. Put one huge hit on Manie Libbok but also wasted a good attacking opportunity with a needless kick. Disappointing.” - Planet Rugby (5/10):
“Solid in attack but caught out in defense, continuing the trend of inconsistency.” - Express (5/10):
“Hit hard and carried hard, but in this fixture that is a minimum requirement.”
Replacement: Alex Lozowski – Needs to step in to provide more stability and spark in attack.
#4. Will Stuart – Scrum Woes and Penalty Troubles
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Telegraph (4/10):
“Difficult to overlook the succession of three penalties, even if the third seemed harsh. Did get one back at the scrum in the second half.” - Express (5/10):
“England again unable to build any sort of attacking platform from their scrum against the mighty Boks.”
Replacement: Dan Cole – Still England’s best tighthead.
#5. Jack van Poortvliet – Struggling to Find His Rhythm
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Shaky at times and repeatedly had his box-kicks charged down.” - Planet Rugby (5/10):
“Never fully recovered from a shaky start, with multiple box kicks charged down by du Toit and Etzebeth.” - Express (3/10):
“First start in a long while and it showed. Repeatedly charged down at the base.” - Telegraph (5/10):
“Etzebeth made him his bunny, charging him down twice in a hesitant early performance.”
Replacement: Ben Spencer – Should’ve been given more game time from the start.
