England vs Ireland halted as referee forced to leave pitch in pain

England's Six Nations match with Ireland was abruptly stopped in the first half as referee Andrea Piardi had to leave the pitch in pain after something "popped" in his leg. The Italian official had overseen the first 29 minutes before going down as medics rushed to his aid in the hosts' half of the pitch at Twickenham.

It became quickly clear that he would not be able to continue, as Piardi informed the fourth official that a replacement would be needed for the remainder of the match. Piardi managed to get to his feet and told both captains, Maro Itoje and Caelan Doris, that he needed to be withdrawn.

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The referee hobbled off without the use of a stretcher, in positive news, after ITV commentator Nick Mullins claimed he heard the ref say "I heard it pop".

Piardi then told the skippers: "I'm out, my quad's gone. Best of luck for the rest of the game. 29 minutes played."

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Craig Maxwell-Keys was promoted from fourth official to linesman, as play resumed minutes later following a bizarre stoppage. Ireland had already rampaged into a 15-0 lead as a result of tries from Jamison Gibson-Park and Robert Baloucoune.

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The first half saw multiple changes, in addition to Piardi's injury, with James Lowe forced off with his own issue and replaced by Tommy O'Brien.

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On the stroke of half-time, after the visitors had extended their advantage to 22-0, Freddie Steward also had to be replaced as Marcus Smith joined the fray from the bench.

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England were able to get a much-needed try just before the break, as Smith's delayed pass found Fraser Dingwall to power over from close range.

In the first game of the weekend, Ireland continued to bounce back from their defeat to France to begin the Six Nations. They defeated Italy 20-13 a week ago and bettered that total in the opening 40 minutes against Steve Borthwick's side.

England were still reeling from their 31-20 defeat to Scotland in Edinburgh and their sloppy performance was punished by their opponents.

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Only on three occasions have England conceded more points in a first-half home performance, giving up 28 to New Zealand in 2006, 27 to France in 2023 and 23 to Italy in 2001.

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