Ireland got the job done against England this evening, although it was not the most convincing performance from Andy Farrell's side in Twickenham.
Despite having a numerical advantage after England's Charlie Ewels was sent off in the second minute of the game, Ireland were very sloppy in numerous aspects of their play. A number of loose passes went astray, while their handling was suspect at times. There were also utterly dominated in the scrum despite the home side being without on their forwards.
England certainly deserve some credit for the way they reacted to the early red card, although some are unhappy with some of the refereeing decisions that went against them.
It has been questioned why no Irish player was sent to the bin despite continual infringements in the scrum, while others believe Ireland were perhaps a tad fortunate to not be punished for an early high tackle of their own.
England fans fume over Tadhg Furlong hit
The incident occurred in the 12th minute, with Tadhg Furlong making heavy contact with Henry Slade after the Englishman intercepted a Jamison Gibson-Park pass. You can watch the footage below.
— Tim White (@TimWhite40) March 12, 2022
The referee opted not to review the incident, while the TMO also did not recommend that the officials take another look.
A number of England fans were not happy at what they labelled as obvious refereeing inconsistencies.
Glad I wasn’t alone in thinking this needed looking at. Sounded like the crowd thought so too - you don’t normally get such a reaction for a knock on. It may have looked a lot worse than it was but definitely should have been looked at.
— Unknown (@SerotoninNsage) March 12, 2022
This inconsistency in officiating is why, despite playing the sport for 25 years, watching it no longer gets a priority for me.
— Tim White (@TimWhite40) March 12, 2022
More red than Ewel's was! Ridiculous.
— Tom Wyatt (@tomkwyatt) March 12, 2022
@RugbyInsideLine
Surely this is the reddest of red cards!— Sam (@Sam49625050) March 12, 2022
Wearing green, play on
— Steve Cope (@mibqpr1) March 12, 2022
Very selective from the ref. Nearly took Slades head off but play on. https://t.co/x7eHt9ccMH
— Tony Farmery (@tonyfarmery) March 12, 2022
We lose a man after 82s, @IrishRugby get away with a clothes line. Why is one a red and the other completely ignored? https://t.co/GXGnIOCQKV
— Danny Hopkin (@DannyHopkin) March 12, 2022
So we're all going to ignore Furlong's headshot on Slade? Pretty convienent. #ENGvIRE
— Paul (@The_Bigtime) March 12, 2022
A red card for Furlong here certainly would have put a very different complexion on the game, although the officials clearly felt that there was very little in this incident.
While it took some time, Ireland would eventually make their man advantage count with two tries in the final ten minutes to wrap up the victory and secure a bonus point. They now go into the final weekend of the tournament still harbouring some hope of being crowned champions.
SEE ALSO: Jonny Wilkinson Believes Early England Red Card May Have Actually 'Rattled' Ireland
