England vs Ireland tempers boil over in Six Nations as coaches exchange angry words
Steve Borthwick and Andy Farrell got into a heated exchange as England took on Ireland in the Six Nations.
Tempers boiled over at half-time of England's Six Nations clash with Ireland as the two head coaches were involved in a heated touchline spat as they exited the pitch. Steve Borthwick and Andy Farrell were upset with each other and were spotted furiously arguing at the end of the opening 40 minutes.
The nature of their discussion is unknown but after a tense first-half affair, neither head coach were seemingly impressed with their opposite number at Twickenham.
The two often mild-mannered bosses walked down from the stands as they headed to their respective dressing rooms, but could be seen getting into it from afar as they exited the pitch before walking towards each other.
They then walked down the tunnel together and left to their own devices to sort out their argument, with the ITV commentary team describing Farrell as "rattled about something".
Ireland had taken advantage with a penalty, with all of their 12 first-half points coming from the boot of Jack Crowley. They led 12-8 at the break, with the only try of the opening 40 minutes coming through England's Ollie Lawrence.
The no. 12 thought he had touched down for a second try, but the referee and TMO deemed that a knock-on had occurred in the build-up and his effort was chalked off.
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Lawrence was furious at the decision, having felt that Furlong was forced to make the infringement, especially after a close decision went against the Bath man minutes earlier that gave Ireland another three points.
Farrell and Borthwick emerged separately for the second half, but the England boss later played down the incident, though refused to explain what they were discussing.
There seemed to be a bit of a disagreement between Steve Borthwick and Andy Farrell ??????#ITVRugby | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/YvDJIWSH8x
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 9, 2024
"Absolutely fine. Andy and I have known each other for a long time, we played alongside each other for England, we both represented England at the 2007 World Cup, so we go back a long way," Borthwick said.
"What he has done with that Ireland team is just incredible. Very special. They are an incredible team and I thought today was a very special Test match.
"It's between Andy and I. I know people want to read into things like that, but I think Andy and I have a very good relationship. We were co-captains together at Saracens as players, we coached together on the Lions in 2017. I have incredible respect for him and what he has done with that team. Which, as I say, is a phenomenal team."