England have secured their first triple crown in four years, beating Wales 33-30 at Twickenham. The scoreline flattered the Welsh, who scored two tries very late on.
It was a game that Eddie Jones' side never really looked in danger of losing, even if Wales did put up quite the challenge at times. That was especially true at the start of the second half.
England took a sizeable lead into the interval, but the away side would produce a stunning try to get back into the contest.
This was some try from Wales!pic.twitter.com/R1TqpG5N7c
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 7, 2020
A try from Manu Tuilagi all but decided the result on the hour mark, but the centre would not be on the pitch to finish the game.
With Wales attempting to launch an unlikely comeback, George North got on the ball in a promising position out wide. He still had plenty to do, however, and he would be brought down by an English defender. As the winger was falling out of bounds, Tuilagi came in with a reckless tackle.
Replays indicated that he made no attempt to wrap his arms, with his shoulder making direct contact with North's head. The referee was left with no choice but to give him a red card.
🔴 RED CARD
Manu Tuilagi is sent off for an extremely dangerous tackle on George North. #ENGvWAL #GuinnessSixNations #VMTVRugby pic.twitter.com/IRlbZcaDIX— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 7, 2020
North was lucky he didn't come out of that one much worse off. Tuilagi apologised to him as he walked off the pitch and there seems to be no hard feelings between the pair.
Despite this, many were quick to point out just how dangerous his 'tackle' was.
That Tuilagi "tackle" was outrageous. The fact that he didn't make clean contact with North's head has saved the Welshman from a potentially very, very serious injury.
It's ludicrous.— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) March 7, 2020
That is a dirty cheap shot from Manu Tuilagi #ENGvWAL
— Cardiff Rugby Life (@CardiffRugbyWeb) March 7, 2020
The only way Tuilagi used an arm in that tackle was cocking his elbow for the hit #ENGvWAL
— Kevin Byrne (@kevinjbyrne) March 7, 2020
That Tuilagi tackle is a joke. Game is lost, best team have won but that’s a disgrace. As is the the so called pro analysts defending him. No arm, with intent. I wish commentators would take their biased goggles off. #ENGvWAL
— Rhys Weston (@rhysweston1980) March 7, 2020
With authorities doing everything they can to stamp out dangerous high tackles, there was little doubt that the England player would see red here.
Some may claim it is harsh due to the low position of North's head, but players need to be more careful. This sort of things need to be taken out of the sport as quickly as possible.
