How the laws have changed but Jones’ side failed to adapt

Kick-through outlawed

In Eddie Jones’s first 18 months in charge England’s favourite way of disrupting rucks was simply to kick through them to try and dislodge the ball. Maro Itoje was an expert, as shown by the example on the left against Ireland in 2016. That tactic was made illegal at the start of this season, and being denied this ploy has proved a real issue for Jones and his England side.

The jackal rewarded

There is now a key difference in how the breakdown is refereed at club and Test level. In the image to the left England are on the attack and the tackler, Jefferson Poirot, is on the wrong side and obstructing the clear-out. In the Premiership that would likely be a penalty to the attacking team – but this season Test referees are favouring the jackal, so France get the penalty.