Ben Earl red card: England hopeful sent off after 'brain fart'
Rugby NewsFriday, 23 December 2022 at 22:44
The Ben Earl red card was one of the main talking points during London Irish epic 29-20 win against Saracens at the Brentford Community Stadium.
The Exiles survived a spell with just 12 men to hand Saracens their first Premiership defeat of the campaign in an absorbing contest.
Ollie Hassell-Collins and Chandler Cunningham-South crossed for Irish and Paddy Jackson kicked 19 points, with both sides seeing red for high tackles.
Exiles captain Adam Coleman went in the opening 40 when his shoulder connected with hooker Tom Woolstencroft's head.
Saracens and England hopeful Ben Earl's failure to wrap and contact with the head saw him also depart in a first half lasting about an hour.
One fan commented: "The game is finished. This is like watching touch rugby with this ref."
Another said: "It's a cheap shot, arms tucked and player is already tackled so it's a red all day. Not a dirty player but made a poor decision."
A third wrote: "Just don’t make the hit. The player is already tackled. If he didn’t try to make an extra unnecessary shot he would still be on the pitch."
"I have no sympathy for players who two or three years down the line still haven’t learned, I understand why it could be considered harsh but that’s the way it is now. Get with it, or keep getting red cards." said another
Ben Earl red card:
How England will likely line-up against Scotland with Steve Borthwick in charge
Steve Borthwick will likely move on some of England's underperforming veterans after he was confirmed as Eddie Jones replacement.
The 43-year-old is joined by defence coach Kevin Sinfield, who he has worked with at Leicester since 2021.
Borthwick joins on a five-year contract.
The former England captain's first match in charge will be the Six Nations opener against Scotland on 4 February and the Rugby Football Union said the rest of his coaching team would be announced "in the coming weeks".
Below, using how he has set up at Leicester, we take a look at how England's XV might look under Borthwick.
Fans have widely speculated that Ellis Genge, who was his captain during their Premiership triumph, could be given the armband.
Steve Borthwick's England XV
Back-three:
- 15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
- 14. Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish)
- 11. Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers)
Freddie Steward of England is tackled by Ardie Savea of New Zealand during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)
Centres:
- 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
- 12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath)
Try Celebrations for Henry Slade of England as he goes over for a try during the Autumn Nations International Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham, London on 26 November 2022 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
Halfbacks:
- 10. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
- 9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)
When the Saracens fly-half, then 21, had come under fire for his poor form back in 2012, he outperformed the usually imperious Nick Evans, notching six penalties from six attempts to help Sarries overcome Quins.
Owen Farrell of England takes a penalty kick during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)
Borthwick, who was Sarries captain during the game, told The Rugby Paper: “Owen Farrell is one of the toughest men I know. He’s a fierce competitor and as strong as they come in terms of mental resolve.
“People will say what they want to say but I feel privileged to take the field with this guy.
“He’s a phenomenal leader and the way he handled the game against Harlequins was tactically brilliant. It was just another measure of the bloke.”
Front-row:
- 1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears) - Captain
- 2. George McGuigan (Gloucester)
- 3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)
Ellis Genge of England Rugby is tackled by Will Rowlands of Wales during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Second-row:
- 4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)
- 5. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
Woodward wants Maro Itoje back in the second-row
Back-row:
- 6. Ben Earl (Saracens)
- 7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
- 8. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Ben Earl of Saracens applauds supporters the Gallagher Premiership match between Saracens and London Irish at The StoneX Stadium, Hendon, London on November 6 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading
