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England centre Piers Francis cited for dangerous tackle at Rugby World Cup

USA flanker John Quill given three-week ban for his tackle on Owen Farrell

Piers Francis
Image: England centre Piers Francis was cited for his tackle on Will Hooley in the opening stages of Thursday's game

England centre Piers Francis has been cited for a dangerous tackle during Thursday's Rugby World Cup victory over the USA.

Making his World Cup debut, Francis caught USA full-back Will Hooley with his shoulder in the opening passage of the game, but did not face any on-field disciplinary action as England went on to win the Pool C encounter 45-7.

USA back-row John Quill has been handed a three-week suspension for a similar tackle he made on Owen Farrell late in the game, which saw him sent off by referee Nic Berry following consultation with the TMO.

With eliminating such tackles from the game a point of emphasis for officials going into the tournament, Francis becomes the fifth player to be cited for a dangerous high tackle after just one week of action.

England centre Piers Francis.
Image: Francis was making his World Cup debut against the USA

Francis could now be banned for England's clash with Argentina in Tokyo next Saturday and their final Pool C fixture against France in Yokohama the following weekend.

Hooley, who was injured in a later incident having been tackled by England flanker Mark Wilson, was taken to hospital and diagnosed with a heavy concussion after the game.

Attack-coach Scott Wisemantel insisted the England camp have been impressed by the officiating in England's opening two fixtures.

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England have been 'really happy' with the level of refereeing at the Rugby World Cup so far, according to attack-coach Scott Wisemantel

"It's a tough job and we've been really happy with the referees and the assistants that we've had, so I think they've done a great job," Wisemantel said.

"All we can focus on is the guys that we get and we've been really happy.

"We've been really happy with the standard, the consistency of the refereeing and the communication. What they say before the game and what they deliver on the field is exactly the same, so it's been good."

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