Steve Borthwick questions World Rugby’s silence on consistency of red cards after Tom Curry’s sending off

The England manager did not directly criticize major refereeing decisions at the World Cup, which lacked consistency and clarity. But the 43-year-old couldn’t resist launching into a scathing assessment of World Cup refereeing so far.

Tom Curry was sent off for a one-on-one with Juan Cruz Mallia during England’s 27-10 win over Argentina last weekend.

Chile’s Martin Sigren received only a yellow card for a situation eerily similar to Curry’s red card, while South Africa’s Jesse Kriel avoided any punishment for colliding with Scotland’s Jack Dempsey.

Romain Taofifenua also avoided punishment for an unarmed head hit in France’s win over Uruguay on Thursday night.

When asked for his opinion on the consistency or inconsistency of refereeing at the World Cup, Borthwick replied: “Are you saying there isn’t any?

“It has been said and noted that there have been numerous comments from different sources on what appears to be a lack of consistency and transparency in the decision-making process.

“It is not my role to comment on this, it is that of World Rugby.

“I also note that there has been a huge amount of commentary from World Rugby on Owen Farrell over a few weeks in our preparation for this tournament. This is a situation which has continued to be the subject of numerous comments from World Rugby.

“I notice there hasn’t been much comment from World Rugby – I’m told – over the last week. I leave that to World Rugby.

Borthwick took a step back when asked if he wanted World Rugby to provide further explanation of its decisions.

He added: “It’s none of my business. It’s for World Rugby.

World Rugby may take a dim view of Borthwick’s comments, but the governing body will ultimately be unable to take action in response to the England manager’s comments.

England face Japan in Nice on Sunday, where they will look to claim their second victory in Pool D of the competition.

Borthwick was in high spirits on Friday evening after England announced their team to take on the Brave Blossoms.

The former England captain and second row’s attitude has improved considerably since the resounding victory against the Pumas last weekend.