England Rugby’s Six Nations Struggles: Brian Moore’s Bold Critique of Referee and Maro Itoje’s Leadership

In a Six Nations clash filled with tension and drama, former England star Brian Moore has raised eyebrows with his fiery critique of England's performance, particularly focusing on referee Ben O’Keeffe and captain Maro Itoje’s role in their defeat to Ireland. The controversy over a shoulder-to-neck tackle by Irish captain Caelan Doris has left fans questioning the officiating decisions, while Moore suggests Itoje's leadership and connection with referees may have contributed to England’s downfall.

The Disappointing Defeat: England’s Promising Start Turned Sour Against Ireland

England's Six Nations match against Ireland started off with high hopes. Leading 10-5 at the 50-minute mark, the Red Rose seemed poised to secure a much-needed victory. However, the match took a dramatic turn. England lost control, allowing Ireland to score three tries in quick succession.

What had seemed like a strong position suddenly crumbled, leaving England with yet another defeat, this time by a 27-22 scoreline. The loss deepened the team’s ongoing struggles, adding to their growing list of disappointing results in recent months. England’s inability to close out the match was a bitter pill to swallow, but for Moore, the match was not only about missed opportunities on the field—it was about some questionable decisions made by the officials, which he believes played a significant role in the outcome.

Brian Moore Breaks His Silence: A Rare Criticism of Officials After the Ireland Defeat

Brian Moore is known for being relatively measured when it comes to criticizing referees. However, following England’s loss to Ireland, Moore did not hold back. In his column for , Moore expressed his frustration with referee Ben O’Keeffe and his assistants, arguing that several key decisions went against England.

Moore specifically pointed out a series of scrum decisions, which he described as "technical and arguable offences," and claimed that these calls denied both England and Ireland important field positions.

But it wasn’t just the scrums that raised alarm bells for Moore. He also criticized O’Keeffe for failing to review a controversial shoulder-to-neck tackle by Irish captain Caelan Doris on England’s Tom Curry.

Moore acknowledged that it was impossible to prove that this particular incident led directly to England’s downfall, but he argued that in a match as tight as this one, such decisions could make a crucial difference. "When down on your luck, you need the rub of the green against sides as good as Ireland," Moore wrote, implying that a little more fortune could have swung the result in England’s favor.

The Caelan Doris Tackle Controversy: Moore’s Call for Action on the Shoulder-to-Neck Challenge

The tackle by Caelan Doris on Tom Curry has been a point of contention for many. While some fans argue that the challenge was fair, others, including Moore, believe that it was dangerous and should have been reviewed more thoroughly. In his column, Moore questioned the lack of action from the officials, pointing out that a tackle that appeared to make contact with Curry’s neck could have been penalized or at least looked at more carefully.

This oversight, according to Moore, was particularly glaring in a match where England was already struggling to maintain their lead. With high stakes and the game hanging in the balance, Moore felt that the lack of scrutiny over Doris’s tackle could have potentially influenced the flow of the game. It raised questions about whether the officials were truly seeing everything that was happening on the pitch, or if some moments were slipping through the cracks.

For Moore, this was a crucial decision that should have been addressed to ensure fair play.

Maro Itoje’s Captaincy: Does He Have the Necessary Rapport with Officials?

In addition to the officiating controversy, Moore also addressed the role of Maro Itoje as England’s new captain. Moore has been outspoken in the past about leadership issues within the team, and this match was no different.

While Itoje is widely regarded as one of England’s best players, Moore questioned whether the lock’s rapport with referees was sufficient to ensure that contentious incidents like the Doris tackle were properly reviewed.

"I cannot imagine Johnny Sexton letting such a matter lie," Moore remarked, referencing Ireland's experienced fly-half, who is known for his assertive and vocal presence on the field.

Moore’s point was clear: as captain, Itoje should be more proactive in ensuring that the referee's decisions are scrutinized when necessary. In a match where decisions were already going against England, Itoje needed to take charge in a way that could have potentially influenced the outcome, but Moore suggests that this was not the case.

England’s Bigger Problems: A Struggling Team Under Pressure to Perform

While Moore’s critiques of Itoje and O’Keeffe are significant, he also points to deeper, more systemic issues within the England team. With just two wins in their last nine matches, the team’s form is a major concern. Moore highlighted the increasing pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick, noting that England’s record under his leadership has been far from impressive. The team’s struggles on the field have been compounded by questions about Borthwick’s ability to turn things around, especially with upcoming matches against strong opponents like France.

"The stakes are progressively heightening," Moore warned, suggesting that Borthwick and the team cannot afford many more slip-ups. As England faces further challenges, the pressure will only intensify. Moore’s blunt assessment serves as a reminder that while individual decisions and moments like the Doris tackle can affect the outcome of a game, the bigger picture is one of a team struggling to find form and leadership in crucial moments.

What Does the Future Hold for England? Will They Be Able to Turn the Tide Against France?

Looking ahead, the future of England rugby seems uncertain. With mounting criticism from former players like Moore and the media, the team’s performance in upcoming Six Nations fixtures will be critical. The next match, against France, is one of the toughest tests they will face. Moore suggests that England must make tactical adjustments, especially in the back row and center pairing, if they are to have a chance of success.

Their attack, Moore believes, needs to be more dynamic to keep up with the high-powered offenses of their Six Nations rivals.

As the pressure builds on Steve Borthwick and his players, England must find a way to regroup and perform under the spotlight. Their upcoming matches could define not only their Six Nations campaign but also their long-term trajectory under Borthwick’s leadership.

Whether they can rise to the challenge remains to be seen.

What Do You Think? Is England’s Performance as Bad as Moore Suggests?

With the stakes so high, England's path forward is one fraught with uncertainty. Share your thoughts on their recent performance and Moore’s critique in the comments below. Do you agree with his analysis, or do you think there’s more to the story? We’d love to hear your opinions!