England coach and Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield has dismissed suggestions that England have a discipline problem at the Rugby World Cup following the news that Tom Curry will face a two-match ban against Japan and Chile.
16:01 UK, Wednesday 13 September 2023
England defense coach Kevin Sinfield has dismissed suggestions there is a discipline problem among the players but admits they are getting used to playing with 14 men.
The former Leeds Rhinos legend was speaking at a media conference in response to the news that England back-row Tom Curry has been handed a two-match ban for a Rugby World Cup red card against Argentina for a high tackle.
“I think it’s tough with the changes — discipline-wise,” Sinfield said.
“We gave away seven penalties at the weekend, but I don’t think we have a discipline problem.”
This is the world championship that uses the new “bunker” rating system. Yellow cards are assessed for 10 minutes and the bunker referee has the authority to upgrade a yellow to a red. Sinfield felt England were “unfortunate” with what happened in Marseille on Saturday night.
“I don’t think it’s any different than other challenges that are going on,” Sinfield said.
England’s Elliot Daly reflects on rugby controversy ahead of Tom Curry’s disciplinary action
“We have to understand that it’s part of the sport and unfortunately we had to deal with four-on-six and not just three-on-four. [red cards].
“We understand each other and we’re doing quite well in defense with 14 men, but we want to have everyone, our full squad at all times. So we’ll try to improve in that area, but it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what that is.” “
Curry is the third England player in a month to receive a red card and serve a suspension.
Four weeks ago at Twickenham, England captain Farrell caught Wales defender Taine Basham square in the face using a technique that had previously troubled him. Farrell received a red card.
Sky Sports News’ James Cole provides an update from England’s training camp as Steve Borthwick’s side continue their preparations for Sunday’s clash with Japan.
Three weeks ago in England’s Dublin 8, Billy Vunipola was sent off for a head-to-head tackle on Irish prop Andrew Porter in which he didn’t even try to wrap his arm.
Curry’s ban means he will miss World Cup Group D matches against Japan (September 17) and Chile (September 23).
The 25-year-old accepted a red-card offense at the hearing and saw an initial six-week suspension cut to three weeks and then two weeks, with the RFU confirming Curry will instead take part in a coaching programme. missing the third match.
“Better mood in camp” despite curry ban
During England’s training session on Tuesday Sky Sports News James Cole said:
“The news in camp yesterday was that Tom Curry received a two-game suspension for the red card he received in the third minute against Argentina for a high tackle. He will miss Sunday’s game and the game as well.” also against Chile.
“However, England are boosted by the return of Billy Vunipola, who is coming off a suspension. He will come back and be available for England – he will come into the back row, Curry will be out.”
England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth insists there are more strengths in the team’s armory than George Ford’s kicking ability ahead of their clash with Japan.
“We saw yesterday how much energy there seems to be and how much better the mood is in the camp after the win against Argentina. It was a huge result for them, after a lot of pressure on the team in the build-up to the World Cup.” .
“How many changes will England make apart from Curry? I don’t think many, if any.”
“We heard from Richard Wigglesworth, England’s attack coach, yesterday and he said continuity is key. We don’t know but we suspect the backline will remain the same.”
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