Rugby World Cup 2019: England star left with ‘half his nose missing’ after American cheap shot
Not even an Eddie Jones quip could hide England’s frustration at the latest high tackle to blight the Rugby World Cup as American John Quill became the first player to be sent off.
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England coach Eddie Jones was not impressed his playmaker Owen Farrell was left with “half his nose missing” after a horror tackle in his side’s Rugby World Cup win over the United States.
American flanker John Quill was shown the first red card of the tournament for his dangerous challenge on centre Farrell in the 71st minute as England scored seven tries in a 45-7 win that left them top of Pool C.
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“Two games with 10 points — no major injuries. Owen just has half his nose missing. Apart from that pretty good,” Jones said, trying to make light of the latest high tackle to blight the tournament.
“I think he is missing half his nose so I’m sure it’s out there and I just hope it doesn’t end up on the BBQ tonight.”
Farrell was left bloodied but did not appear concussed despite the big collision.
“It’s a disgrace, it’s cheap. That’s not even a tackle, it’s a cheap shot,” said commentator and former England player Ugo Monye.
This tournament is unlikely to throw up a more graphic justification for rugby’s policy shift against tackles above the shoulder, when contact with the head is made, and/or the arms are not used on the ball carrier.
In one disgraceful blow, the defensiveness of diehards who think rugby is going soft was exposed as disregard for the victims.
The US, the last team to appear in the tournament, was so nearly the first to be kept scoreless.
They scored their only try through replacement Bryce Campbell nearly two minutes after the final hooter and after a crazy move which resulted in both teams throwing possession away numerous times before Campbell seized his opportunity to dive over near the posts.
This article was originally published by the New Zealand Herald and reproduced with permission
Originally published as Rugby World Cup 2019: England star left with ‘half his nose missing’ after American cheap shot