England will again be sweating on the judiciary after Billy Vunipola was sent off in his side's 29-10 loss in Dublin for a dangerous tackle. Photo: Photosport
Ireland kept up their winning ways with a 29-10 World Cup warm-up victory on Saturday over a hapless England, who look set to lose another player for part of the upcoming tournament after a red card for Billy Vunipola.
For a game overshadowed by the surprise overturning of Owen Farrell's red card last week, subsequent appeal by World Rugby and England's decision to omit him on Saturday, an eerily similar tackle by Vunipola will be the main talking point this week.
Even with 15 men, England caused the hosts few problems despite the fact that the Six Nations winners were sloppy in a first half they led 12-3 thanks to two outstanding team tries finished by Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose.
Vunipola's 52nd-minute red for driving his shoulder into Andrew Porter's head only added to the lopsided nature of the game as James Lowe, Mack Hansen and to the delight of the home crowd - 100-cap Keith Earls - added tries either side of a Kyle Sinckler consolation for England.
"We're pleased we got the result. A pretty sloppy first half and definitely a lot that we can look to improve on next week but then we should be in a good spot heading into France," Ireland captain James Ryan said in a pitchside interview.
Ireland, who have now won 12 games in a row, have one last warm-up against Samoa in France on 26 August before beginning their World Cup campaign against Romania on September 9.
England host Fiji next week and open their campaign on the same day as Ireland with the far trickier prospect of Argentina.
-REUTERS
