RATHER than act like gentlemen and play by the rules, England seem to think they can manipulate them for their own benefit – and not for the first time.
It has caused such a backlash from all areas of the game, including some of their supporters and it is all in their own making.
They should have accepted the punishment of the red card to Owen Farrell and moved on. The simple and decent path which would have give the least pain and sent the right message has once again not been chosen by the RFU.
What a mess going into a World Cup.
Derek Gilbert

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