RWC tackle storm
England maintained their winning start at the Rugby World Cup yesterday, beating the United States 45-7 in pool C, but the victory was marred by two tackling controversies.
The Guardian reports that Eddie Jones’s team have been “caught up in the World Cup tackling storm” after a bruising encounter against the Americans.
Owen Farrell was lucky to escape serious injury after receiving a shoulder to the face from the US’s John Quill – who saw red for the offence.
The Daily Telegraph reports that “Farrell’s World Cup could have been over” while Metro quotes England head coach Eddie Jones who said that Farrell was “missing part of his nose”.
Francis cited
It was also confirmed this morning that England centre Piers Francis has been cited for an “act of foul play” following his high tackle on Will Hooley.
World Rugby said: “Francis has been cited for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 [dangerous high tackle].
“The player will attend a hearing before an independent Judicial Committee chaired by Nigel Hampton QC [New Zealand], joined by former international coach Frank Hadden [Scotland] and former international referee José Luis Rolandi [Argentina].
“The hearing will take place in Tokyo on a date to be agreed with the player and his representatives.
