England face Rugby World Cup selection blow as Billy Vunipola is SENT OFF for dangerous tackle in mauling by Ireland
ENGLAND have suffered a huge World Cup selection blow after Billy Vunipola was sent off for a dangerous tackle.
The 30-year-old Saracens star charged Ireland’s Andrew Porter with his shoulder – striking his opponent’s head.
He was sin-binned before an off-field review upgraded his yellow card to a red.
It means that Vunipola could be banned for the World Cup.
The decision added to England’s frustration as they were defeated 29-10 at the Aviva Stadium.
The hosts scored five tries as the hosts played with 14 men.
A late rally saw the scoreline look more respectable, but in truth it was a comfortable win for the Irish in a game that was over-shadowed by Vunipola’s moment of recklessness.
The latest moment of England ill-discipline comes after Owen Farrell had his red card against Wales overturned following a review.
The England captain will be available to play in their Rugby World Cup opener against Argentina on September 9.
Farrell was initially sin-binned for a high tackle on Taine Basham during the match at Twickenham last Saturday.
The punishment was then upgraded to a red card after on off-field video review, leaving England without their captain.
Despite Farrell’s absence, which left England with just 12 players at one point, the hosts went on to win the match 19-17 as they continued their preparations for the tournament.
A review panel has since cleared Farrell, though, with the red card overturned.
The panel deemed that the tackle was not worthy of a red card as Jamie George had pushed Basham.
He had been at risk of missing the start of the World Cup in France prior to his red card being overturned.
The mid-range sanction for a dangerous tackle is six games.
England begin their World Cup campaign against Argentina in Marseille in just under four weeks time.
They also take on Japan and Chile in Pool D as they look to make the quarter-finals.
But, they will be sweating on Vunipola’s availability.