Nasty.

Owen Farrell has been hugely criticised in the past for his tackle technique, but the England star was on the receiving end of a horror challenge himself this morning as the first red card of the World Cup was shown.

Farrell’s side ran out 45-7 winners against the USA in the end, but the England outhalf will be sore tonight after he took a monstrous shoulder to the head from USA back-row John Quill.

Quill, who is originally from Ireland and spent three years in the Munster academy, can have no complaints. Farrell was stumbling to his feet as he tried to gather the ball but was at a decent height when the hit came in.

The tackle was with force and Quill’s shoulder lands directly on the face of Farrell who instantly hits the ground. England however, could also be in trouble themselves after footage emerged after the game of a dangerous hit from centre Piers Francis.