England’s Piers Francis could face a citing and possible suspension over an incident in his team’s 45-7 defeat of the USA in Kobe.
The match saw the first red card of the Rugby World Cup , with USA flanker John Quill given his marching orders for a shoulder to the head of Owen Farrell, who was left with a bloodied nose. You can see that incident here.
But centre Francis went unpunished for a contentious tackle right at the start of the game.
From the kick-off, the Northampton player put in a hit on the USA’s Will Hooley and appeared to make contact with the full-back’s chin with his left shoulder.
No action was taken, with England going on to run in seven tries in what was their second bonus point victory in Pool C.
You can watch the incident below:
Commenting on the Francis incident on ITV, World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio said: “It’s the opening five seconds and he has got away with one there really.
“Probably because, a bit like in football, the referee maybe hasn’t penalised the first challenge.
“Every tackle now, based on the Reece Hodge incident and the two Samoans, is going to be looked at very closely.”
After the match, England coach Eddie Jones was asked whether he expected any repercussions from the Francis tackle.
“Look, we leave that up to the referee,” he said.
“Whatever the judicial process is, we are quite happy to take part in it.
“We have no qualms one way or the other.
“Whatever way it goes, we will support the decision by World Rugby.”
