England lock Maro Itoje conceded five of his side’s 14 penalties against Wales in Saturday’s Six Nations showdown in Cardiff.
The 26-year-old played on the edge at the Principality Stadium but was punished by referee Pascal Gaüzère on five separate occasions for a range of inflictions.
The first three offences were committed inside the opening 15 minutes with the Saracens enforcer being pinged for a deliberate knock on, entering a maul at the side and then playing the ball on the floor.
Itoje gave away more penalties than the Italian full back made in metres today 😂😂
— Nathan Brown (@brownybiglip) February 27, 2021
Itoje’s fourth infringement occurred just before the half hour mark after he was ruled offside and his final penalty was a repeat offence for entering a maul at the side.
Commentators Eddie Butler, Jonathan Davies and Brian Moore gave mixed feedback on Itoje’s penalties, suggesting some were marginal while others were “obvious”.
England’s lack of discipline and two huge refereeing decisions were major setbacks in the match which allowed Wales to take a 40-24 win and secure the Triple Crown.
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