Rugby fans, brace yourselves—the sport we love might be on the brink of a major shift, and it’s all because of a seemingly small rule change that’s causing big waves. But here’s where it gets controversial... Eddie Jones, the outspoken Japan head coach, is sounding the alarm and calling on World Rugby to step up and ‘show leadership’ after France’s tactics left Ireland with little to no chance to contest the lineout during their Six Nations opener. This isn’t just about one game—it’s about the future of rugby as we know it.
Jones’ concerns echo those of fellow ex-Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie, who pointed out France’s clever (some might say sneaky) use of short, quick lineouts. And this is the part most people miss... France’s players were moving and jumping before their hooker even settled at the mark, effectively eliminating any opportunity for Ireland to compete. Is this the new normal, or a loophole that needs closing? McKenzie’s observations highlight a worrying trend that could strip the lineout of its traditional contest, turning it into a mere formality rather than a strategic battle.
World Rugby’s recent emphasis on speeding up the game—think shot-clocks for set-pieces and kicks—has inadvertently opened the door for such tactics. In November 2024, they greenlit a law trial where skewed throws are no longer penalized if the defensive team doesn’t contest in the air. The updated rule (Law 18.23) now reads: ‘The ball must be thrown in straight along the mark of touch towards a lineout player. If the non-throwing team does not lift a teammate to compete, play continues.’ Sounds fair, right? Wrong. Critics argue this has created a gray area where teams can exploit the lack of contest, as seen in the France-Ireland match.
Former IRFU referee boss Owen Doyle has already slammed the trial, urging World Rugby to address its flaws. McKenzie adds, ‘There’s no contest in the lineout now… it’s possibly a problem for the game in the future.’ Eddie Jones agrees, though he admits the law’s phrasing leaves too much to interpretation. ‘There’s gotta be a genuine contest for the ball,’ he insists, but what constitutes a ‘genuine contest’ is now up for debate.
Here’s the kicker: France’s tactics weren’t just about speed—they were about neutralizing Ireland’s ability to compete. By playing their forwards wider and rushing the lineout, they bypassed the traditional aerial battle. McKenzie warns, ‘If there’s no line contest, your second rowers don’t have to jump as they traditionally did.’ Is this innovation or a step backward for the sport?
Jones hopes World Rugby will act swiftly, reinstating the contest before the Six Nations progresses. ‘It’s a great opportunity for World Rugby to show some leadership,’ he says. But will they? McKenzie fears the lineout could become a mere restart of play, stripping rugby of its essence as a game built on possession contests. ‘You might as well just tap the ball and go,’ he quips.
Now, here’s the question for you: Is this evolution or erosion? Are France’s tactics genius or a threat to rugby’s core values? Should World Rugby crack down on these loopholes, or let the game adapt? Let’s spark a debate—comment below and share your thoughts. The future of rugby might just depend on it.
