Launchbury cited in wake of convincing win over Fiji

Joe Launchbury has been cited for kicking Fiji centre Asaeli Tikoirotuma in England’s 58-15 victory at Twickenham on Saturday.

The incident is alleged to have taken place in the second minute with Launchbury appearing to aim for the ball only to strike Tikoirotuma.

The low-end sanction for the offence is four weeks, the mid-range eight weeks and the top-end 12 weeks plus, with Launchbury’s hearing scheduled for this afternoon.

England extended their triumphant run to 12 Tests, but the defensive frailties evident at Twickenham will have concerned head coach Eddie Jones.

Nine tries were amassed in the second autumn international with Jonathan Joseph, Semesa Rokoduguni and Launchbury crossing twice and with less than half an hour on the clock England had surged 34-0 ahead.

A passive Fijian defence waved them through at every opportunity, but either side of half time it became the hosts’ turn to crumble as Nemani Nadolo, Leone Nakarawa and Metuisela Talebula plundered soft tries.

Owen Farrell became only the second England player to pass the 500-point mark with his haul of four conversions and a penalty on his 45th Test appearance lifting him to 508, in pursuit of Jonny Wilkinson’s 1,179. Sam Davies got Wales out of jail with a last-gasp drop goal as Japan were thwarted 33-30 at the Principality Stadium.

The Ospreys fly-half, who went on as a second-half substitute, struck during the closing seconds to give Wales victory. Ireland bossed territory and possession but lost 21-9 to an ill-disciplined New Zealand in Dublin.

Joe Schmidt’s side failed to convert a host of half-chances to add to the historic 40-29 win they achieved over New Zealand in the United States a fortnight ago.

New Zealand had Aaron Smith and Malakai Fekitoa sin-binned while conceding 14 penalties.

England lock Joe Launchbury will have his hearing this afternoon.