The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin
England flanker Tom Curry has been banned for two matches after being sent off in the World Cup opener against Argentina.
Curry will miss the Pool C games against Japan and Chile following his sending off for a head-on-head collision with full-back Juan Cruz Mallía.
The offence carries a six-week suspension but it was reduced to three because of Curry’s good character, before having another week cut off for attending tackle school.
He is expected to complete the course with England’s defence coach Kevin Sinfield.
It is a big blow to Steve Borthwick’s plans, having been without the forward for the entire summer warm-up series due to injury.
England flanker Tom Curry has been handed a two-match ban for his head-on-head high tackle
Curry is the third England player to be suspended in recent weeks, following sending offs for captain Owen Farrell and No 8 Billy Vunipola.
Speaking about the No 8s potential return against Japan on Sunday, assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth said: ‘Billy has got great physical presence and it’s great to have him back on the training field. But he’s a really smart as well, he puts himself in great positions, he’s got great hands.
‘He’s got more threat than just being a big ball carrier. He’s really smart and knows when to shift it and change the point of contact for other players as well. It’s great for us to have him available.’
