Former manager Clive Woodward did not believe the cards handed to England during their Six Nations clash with Ireland were justified.
However, Woodward believes they didn’t really change the game.
Clive Woodward says England wasn’t stolen
England played much of the second half without fullback Freddie Steward after his harsh sending off.
READ ALSO: Jaco Peyper embarrasses South Africa with terrible Six Nations call-up
Woodward was happy to see England fighting against the best team in the world at the moment.
“The best team won today and the best team won the championship, so a big congratulations to Ireland and especially Johnny Sexton,” Woodward said on ITV’s post-game panel show.
READ ALSO: Ireland crowned Six Nations Grand Slam champions
“It’s a great year for them to achieve that, which was fantastic.
“I have to say this time last week I was in shock but this time today I am so proud of that England team, they really gave it to the Irish team. Farrell especially, really impressed me.
READ ALSO: French flair on display as Les Bleus defeat Wales in Six Nations
“Owen Farrell led the team back to where we know what we can really do.
“You can win games, you can lose games, but that was a great performance from him today.”
READ ALSO: Scotland survives Italian heist in nail-biting Six Nations duel
Doesn’t change the game much
Woodward felt that neither Steward’s red card nor Jack Willis’s yellow card were clear, but felt that they did not alter the final result.
“They lost two players, the red card was moot, the yellow card was moot again,” he said.
“I think it was a tough decision, but it changed the game, no, to be honest.
“England were always going to be competitive, but I don’t think it would have changed the result.
“When you get to these big knockout matches we just don’t want to see these red cards unless it’s a clear ‘get it out’ but anyway, well done to Ireland and England too.”
