‘Absolutely shocking decision’ – Four moments from Ireland’s win over England under the spotlight

Several moments from the Six Nations game between Ireland and England are under the spotlight.
A full-blooded affair between Ireland and England had fans out of their seats as the former kicked off their 2025 Six Nations campaign with a 27-22 win on Saturday.
Jamison Gibson-Park, Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne and Dan Sheehan scores helped the reigning champions to an opening victory as they came from behind to win in Dublin.
There was plenty to unpack during and after the game as New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe and his officiating team had their hands full at a packed out Aviva Stadium.
Four moments under spotlight
However, several fans on social media believe that four particular moments should have been given greater attention and that one incident was wrongly brushed aside.
We start with the latter and a tackle from Ireland?captain Caelan Doris on England flanker?Tom Curry on 59 minutes which appeared to make contact with the head.
Not worth a look then…#IREvENG pic.twitter.com/JCDapuZYUC
— Tight Five Rugby (@TightFive_Rugby) February 1, 2025
It seemed from the footage that O’Keeffe was in conversation with England players shortly afterwards but it was deemed that Doris had not committed an act of foul play.
That has since sparked a backlash on X with many questioning the decision, with former England back Austin Healey writing: “How is that not a head shot on curry.”
The replies to Tight Five Rugby’s post, however, was where most gave their view. “The inconsistency is killing the game. It’s so frustrating,” wrote Matthew Clement on X.
“Had me absolutely screaming at the TV considering it sounds like the TMO came in and flagged it,” wrote another, while someone added: “Absolutely shocking decision.”
One referee, Kevin Swindlehurst, posted in reply to the image that he was “disgusted” by the call not to penalise Ireland’s skipper: “I’m a referee of rugby myself and honestly I’m actually disgusted at the officiating of this game that is a high tackle and to me a yellow I’ll give the mitigation of a change of direction and low force but he goes off.”
“Ridiculous that this wasn’t looked at,” read another post.
There was also a clearout flagged by Danielle Ferrar when Ellis Genge runs in to knock Tadhg Beirne off the ball. There’s less clear evidence of head contact there, however.
This running shoulder to the head also overlooked. No control at ruck time by the ref for either side. pic.twitter.com/cyyeFpjrKp
— Danielle Ferrar (@dani15455) February 1, 2025
Another moment from the Six Nations clash that was spotted by rugby fans was when England second-row Maro Itoje appeared to stand on Ireland wing Mack Hansen’s foot.
Cheeky little stamp from Itoje on Hansen there at the end of that schmozzle pic.twitter.com/3DxEj2C3L6
— Jim Demps (@jim_demps) February 1, 2025
Thomas P. Moroney vented over the Itoje incident. “Captains need to operate at a high standard. That was a poor choice that damaged his credibility as a leader,” he wrote.
That was added to by several comments writing such things as “cheap shot”, “no need for it” and “cowardly stomp” as many were highly critical of the new England captain.
Finally, there was a hit in the second half from England star Marcus Smith on James Lowe that angered the Ireland wing and from a different angle one can see why.
Marcus Smith with the cheap shot. Didn’t know he had it in him. Naughty. #IREvENG pic.twitter.com/s2HGCAf66e
— Simon Elkinson (@OnsideRecruiter) February 2, 2025
What are your thoughts on these moments in Dublin and were they dealt with correctly?