HOW THE ITALIANS BAMBOOZLED ENGLAND AT THE BREAKDOWN

WHAT WAS THE TACTIC?

The best example is shown above, when James Haskell was tackled by Simone Favaro. Instead of setting up a ruck, which is defined as when one or more player from each side are in physical contact over the ball on the ground, Italy's other defenders stood off – not binding onto England's forwards (1). Sergio Parisse and Giorgio Bronzini then positioned themselves in the English backline (2) next to scrum-half Danny Care, blocking his pass to the backs. Referee Romain Poite shouted ‘just a tackle!’ signalling that no ruck had been formed.

WAS IT LEGAL?

The tactic is completely legitimate under the laws of the game. The phrase ‘physical contact’ is the key one in World Rugby’s definition of a ruck. So by not making physical contact with the English players after a successful tackle was made and standing off, Italy never formed a ruck. There was no offside line. This meant Italian defenders could stand where they wanted to.

HAS THIS BEEN DONE BEFORE?

Yes. Ben Ryan created the move when coaching England Sevens in 2012. It has also been used by the Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby and Australia against Ireland in the recent autumn internationals. For Australia David Pocock caught a pass from Conor Murray when standing in the Ireland back-line!

HOW DID ENGLAND REACT?

They were dumbfounded. Alarmingly England did not seem to know the laws of the game. Both captain Dylan Hartley and Haskell (left) asked Poite what they could do to create a ruck, and therefore an offside line. He replied ‘I can’t say. I am the referee not a coach.’