Protecting players trumps 'ruining the game' nonsense

Both teams' discipline is one of the main talking points following Ireland’s bonus-point win over England in Twickenham.

Ireland repeatedly gave England access and territory and almost doubled their average penalty concession with 15 conceded.

Although the penalty count went in England’s favour, the biggest talking point of the game came after just 82 seconds of play when Charlie Ewels was red-carded for a late and upright hit on James Ryan.

Referee Mathieu Raynal had no choice but to send Ewels off.

Unfortunately, these calls still split opinion, although it’s the minority that disagree with the referee’s decision in this instance.

It seems that most rugby supporters and players are now realising that these hits, accidental or not, are damaging to players' health and they have to be sanctioned correctly.

After just 82 seconds, England are down to 14 men. Charlie Ewels receives a red card for this challenge on James Ryan.