The game was in the balance.
Ultan Dillane and Josh Van Der Flier had just combined for a break that meant so much more than gaining 20 yards of Twickenham turf.
Ireland were close to the England line and the home side were desperate.
They conceded a penalty but it could have been worse.
Mike Brown’s series of kicks at the ball, ended up connecting with Conor Murray’s face.
The first kick attempt to kick clear the ball was legitimate.
The second, on the way back, was, if you are being generous, was accidental.
But the third and fourth were, at best, reckless.
At worst he should have been off the field.
Romain Poite and the TMO decided otherwise.
‘Accidental’ was the verdict. Judge for yourself here.
Those watching at home certainly disagreed with the Twickenham officials.
https://twitter.com/CLOCOOL/status/703650902406778880
Should have been a try, brown should have seen red and this should be game on. As it stands, England have a comfortable victory.
— D (@Walkerdavid32) February 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/The_Offload/status/703650237773119488
Care’s booking is harsh.
Could have seen both Brown & Haskell shown red there though #ENGvIRE— Colm Shanahan is @cwshanahan on BSky (@CWShanahan) February 27, 2016
