"Brutal" - Referee missed 'three punches' to Billy Vunipola's face against Samoa

Steve Borthwick's squad managed to secure their fourth consecutive victory at the Rugby World Cup 2023, but they had to put in a tremendous effort to narrowly beat Samoa 18-17 in Lille last Saturday.

Around the 53rd minute, despite Vunipola's objections to referee Andrew Brace, the official chose not to refer the incident to the TMO for review.

However, judging by the damage sustained to the eye of the Saracens powerhouse and a video clip circulating on Twitter, it is evident that a more thorough examination should have taken place.

It will be intriguing to see whether the citing officer decides to take any action regarding this incident.

Get your tickets for the 2024 Six Nations at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace.

Telegraph 4/10: "May brought energy as ever but there was also the customary chaos. Out of position for Samoa’s second try, leaving Steward to scramble in vain."

Rugby Pass 4/10: "It was his break that scattered the Samoan defence on 18 minutes in the lead-up to the infringement that gave Farrell his points record, but that was about it for him on the ball and he will instead be remembered for ineffectively clinging onto a leg of the tr-scoring Ah-Wong minutes later. England need a hurry up in this position, with May not looking the part."

RUCK 4/10: "We’re uncertain why he continues to be selected over the lightning-fast Henry Arundell, Seemed to spend the whole afternoon running sideways"

Replacement: Henry Arundell

Telegraph 5/10: "Executed a sublime first-half turnover which sent George clear; only the slightest of Tumua Manu knock-ons saved his bacon after a skewed box-kick looked to have handed Samoa their third try."

RUCK 4/10: "Delayed around the breakdown, constantly putting England under pressure."

Planet Rugby 5/10: "The scrum-half was very lucky a Samoan try on the back of his poor box kick was ruled out. A great player on the front foot but one that could improve when managing the game when under pressure."

Replacement: Danny Care

Telegraph 5/10: "Scrummaged his socks off, as is his wont, but will not enjoy some of the defensive review, where he was palpably off the pace."

Rugby Pass 5/10: "It started off as his sort of game, England on the front foot and the prop clearing breakdowns and enjoying the scrum. However, once Samoa got possession and shifted it about, he was left flagging and was pulled eight minutes into the second half despite a chunky tackle count."

Replacement: Kyle Sinckler

Telegraph 4/10: "England’s captain led admirably in defence, became his country’s all-time leading point-scorer - ending Jonny Wilkinson’s 22-year reign - but he was rusty. The shot-clock gaffe was a howler."

Replacement: Ollie Lawrence