England coach Eddie Jones says he doesn’t know if Owen Farrell will be cited and suspended for his controversial tackle on André Esterhuizen at Twickenham.
The flyhalf held his nerve to slot four penalties and give the hosts a one-point lead. However, there was late drama when Farrell shoulder-charged Esterhuizen in the 83rd minute after a 15-phase Springbok attack.
Referee Angus Gardner watched the incident on the big screen after being told by the TMO to check it, but decided Farrell had done enough to wrap his arms around Esterhuizen, denying the visitors a chance of a match-winning penalty.
WATCH: Farrell’s tackle on Esterhuizen
‘You can get cited for something you did at a party when you were 15, anything could happen,’ Jones said sarcastically when asked if he expected further action to be taken. ‘I’ve got no idea what can happen.’
When asked about Farrell’s tackle, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said: ‘If it was all legal – and I didn’t have a good look at the replay – we should start tackling like that.’
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England face the All Blacks next weekend and with two successive wins in the bag, Jones appeared confident about taking on the No 1-ranked team in the world.
‘The young players did exceptionally well and we can look forward to New Zealand now.
‘We are going to prepare well and I cannot wait to play them. New Zealand are different to South Africa, wanting an athletic contest. We will not be wearing singlets and running shorts.
‘It will be a proper game of rugby. You want to face the best in the world and the Kiwis are that. Bring it on.’
