Back to Dublin; the scene of the crime. The year-old Leicester full-back is gearing up for the next instalment of a fixture which generated a torrent of outrage on his behalf in Ireland away in the Six Nations. On that previous occasion, Steward was sent off just before half-time, after his arm made contact with the head of opposite number Hugo Keenan.
It was just wrong. All hell broke loose when he was shown a red card. There were furious protests from fans and former players alike. When it came to a hearing, Steward was exonerated β the red card was overturned. Then the authorities took steps to avoid such blatant injustice in future. More recently, minute red cards have been adopted for technical offences, so that players can be replaced after that period, thus reducing the number of games undermined by a numerical imbalance.
Psychologically, it was a real big challenge. Freddie Steward is gearing up for his return to the Aviva Stadium with England. In Steward was controversially sent off when he committed a challenge against Ireland. So, to sit in a citing meeting and have that outcome was, for me, a line in the sand. At the time, we were in a great spot away from home.
We were in control. It had ramifications. It needs to be the right decision. It is imperative because it shapes campaigns for teams. You can lose games on a decision.
It really kills you. I am glad they have taken strides to get it right. With George Furbank still recovering from injury, the flying Tiger is a prime contender to take his place in a revamped back line. As a passionate patriot, being usurped by Furbank last year hit him hard.
