ENGLAND KICKING COACH Dave Alred and fitness specialist Paul Stridgeon have received a one-match suspension from the RFU following an investigation by Rugby World Cup Limited into their conduct during their side’s Pool B rout of Romania.
In contravention of “both the laws of the game and the spirit of the game,” according to the RFU, the pair twice allowed fly-half Jonny Wilkinson to exchange the match ball with an apparently more favourable replacement for conversion attempts.
In conversation with the BBC, England coach Martin Johnson attempted to explain his subordinates’ conduct:
“It happened twice and they were told to desist, which they did… [Wilkinson] thought one of the balls was slightly less than perfect, so he wanted to swap it”.
Like many of the place-kickers at this year’s tournament, the English No10 has endured an uncharacteristically turbulent time with the boot in recent weeks, with only 50% of his efforts finding the target.
Alred and Stridgeon will be banned from Eden Park for England’s make-or-break group game with Scotland this Saturday.
Another poor decision by a ref, very harsh red card
Feel bad for supporters that’s a long trek!
Not if you live in Maigh Eo!
A small point; as you named both teams above, you gave the Dublin team their full names while just the Surnames of the Mayo team. Any reason why???
Is it possible to update from any of the other matches now since BÁC v Maigh Eo has been cancelled? :-)
Hey RG,
We’ll have a round-up of the results later this evening.
So disappointed
because outside pale no one has internet or can read,
As for the long trek GarCPD, welcome to the world of those who have to travel to Croker for every league semi and final and from quarter finals on. 3 or 4 trips out of the capital versus say Kerry who could have up to 10 if they get to both finals. Not having a go at u about it, just that is part of been a GAA fan! :)
Was a good game, we started poorly, the red was harsh enough though. very hard to gauge how it would have gone.
The long trek to deep West will have to be done again! :D