Will Greenwood
Rugby Union Expert & Columnist @willgreenwood
England led 6-0 vs Ireland early on before a controversial first-half red card for Freddie Steward proved decisive, with hosts running out 29-16 winners; Will Greenwood: “I think there was enough for (referee) Jaco Peyper to say there were mitigating circumstances to make it a yellow”
Last Updated: 20/03/23 5:34pm
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Will Greenwood doesn’t believe Freddie Steward should have been sent off for England but thinks Ireland would still have won their Six Nations clash even without the red card
Will Greenwood doesn’t believe Freddie Steward should have been sent off for England but thinks Ireland would still have won their Six Nations clash even without the red card
Former England international Will Greenwood said there were loads of positives for England to take out of their final Six Nations defeat to Grand Slam-winners Ireland on Sunday.
England found themselves up 6-0 early on at the Aviva Stadium before a controversial red card for full-back Freddie Steward in the first half proved decisive as Ireland ultimately ran out 29-16 winners.
Greenwood described England’s defensive work as “fabulous”, especially given that they came into the game off the back of a record 53-10 drubbing by France at Twickenham.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Greenwood said the positives from England’s performance in Dublin stood out more upon a second watch.
“I had [initially] thought that Ireland were dominant, they’d made some errors and England were competitive,” Greenwood said. “But, watching it back again last night, I thought England were fabulous – on one side of the ball.
Maro Itoje charges down a kick from Jamison Gibson-Park during Sunday’s game at the Aviva Stadium
“Defensively, and set-piece wise, there was loads to be positive about for England. What needs work is we need mo …