Woodward censure expected

England coach Clive Woodward is expected to be censured by the International Rugby Board for criticising match officials after the New Zealand Rugby Union yesterday sent the governing body a videotape of last Saturday night’s media conference in Auckland.

After England’s second Test loss to the All Blacks, Woodward was highly critical of the decision of Welsh referee Nigel Williams, on the advice of Australian touch judge Stuart Dickinson, to send off second-rower Simon Shaw in the 11th minute for kneeing All Blacks forward Keith Robinson.

Woodward, now in Brisbane preparing for tomorrow night’s one-off Test against Australia at Suncorp Stadium, described the referee’s decision at the Auckland media conference as “a ridiculous call”.