Argentina coach accuses Tom Curry of bullying after tunnel clash as England edge Pumas 27-23
Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi accuses England flanker Tom Curry of bullying and shoving him in the tunnel after England edged the Pumas 27-23 in Sydney, triggering post-match controversy.
The England rugby team edged Argentina 27-23 in Sydney, but the match was overshadowed by off-field tensions after full-time. Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi alleged a tunnel confrontation with England flanker Tom Curry following the game’s conclusion.
On the field, a late tackle on Argentina full-back Juan Cruz Mallia left him with a suspected knee injury, forcing the Pumas to finish a man down as the incident was not reviewed by the television match official.
Contepomi described the tackle as reckless and indicated that Curry later approached him in the tunnel and gave him a shove. He suggested the behaviour could be part of Curry's character, noting his impressive build as he is 27 while the coach is 48.
England head coach Steve Borthwick said he was unaware of any tunnel incident, stressing that post-match emotions run high in a hard-fought Test. He defended Curry’s character, calling him a dedicated team player and a respectful person.
Key Takeaways
- The late tackle on Mallia sparked on-field tensions and was not reviewed by the officials
- Contepomi accuses Curry of bullying and describes a shove in the tunnel after the match
- Borthwick defended Curry’s character and highlighted the intensity of the game
Expert comment
Expert verdict: A veteran rugby analyst says the incident underscores the emotional strain of Test rugby and the need for discipline from top players. Coaches must balance competitive fire with sportsmanship on and off the pitch.
Summary
The match delivered another win for England, extending their unbeaten run, but the post-match episode added a controversial chapter. Contepomi’s remarks have put Curry in the spotlight, while Borthwick emphasised the player’s character. The sport’s governing bodies may face renewed scrutiny over officiating and conduct in the tunnel after final whistles.
Key insight: In high-stakes rugby, maintaining respect and discipline remains essential to protect players and the game's integrity. Source: BBC Sport
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