Grunts, growls and scowls

ENGLAND have already been slapped on the wrist by the IRB for Brian Smith’s criticisms of one referee but Martin Johnson doesn’t expect the episode to have any bearing on how today’s game at Croke Park is officiated.

The attack coach’s complaints about Jonathan Kaplan’s performance in Cardiff a fortnight ago prompted the game’s governing body into a public rebuke of the Australian.

Johnson met with today’s referee, Craig Joubert, the same day and declared himself to be happy with their discussions. Asked if he expected any further backlash from his lieutenant’s remarks, his reply was a terse ‘no’.