Mark Wilson made his Rugby World Cup bow as England’s progress through the group phase gathered momentum with a 45-7 win over the United States.
Cumbrian Wilson, who began his career in Penrith, replaced Billy Vunipola at half-time and was quickly in the action today, too, in a match marred by a savage challenge on Owen Farrell which produced the first red card of the tournament.
Farrell, a second-half replacement at the Kobe Misaki Stadium, was attempting to pick the ball up off the ground in the 70th minute when he was struck by a shoulder-led charge by flanker John Quill which caught him on the jaw.
The England captain crashed to the floor but was quickly back on his feet as a brawl erupted, with 29-year-old flanker Wilson leading the shoving, before being joined by a large group of his outraged team-mates.
Referee Nic Berry reviewed the footage and dismissed Quill, who could have no complaints at being severely punished for the tackle.
The flashpoint marred the match, which Eddie Jones’ team won comfortably thanks to two tries from Joe Cokanasiga, with Vunipola, George Ford, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ruaridh McConnochie and Lewis Ludlam also touching down.
Captain-for-the-game Ford also contributed with the boot, as he landed five conversions.
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