'Aussie rules' refereeing upsets Borthwick plans

England coach had enough to deal with before the new directive that makes playing attractive rugby even harder

- Robert Kitson

Steve Borthwick does not normally vent in public so when he does it means he is properly hacked off. "I don't think any of us want rugby union to turn into Aussie rules," muttered England's head coach, not even bothering to downplay his distaste for the new refereeing crackdown on kick chase 'escort' defenders that he fears will drag the sport down a path it regrets. "I am not sure everyone wants to watch more kicking and more scrums."

Slightly ironic, perhaps, coming from a coach whose side barely played any expansive rugby for much of his first year in charge. On this occasion, though, Borthwick is absolutely within his rights. Inside the last fortnight the shape of the game has tilted significantly, with the odds now in favour of athletic kick chasers who have greater freedom than ever to make life a misery for full-backs underneath high balls.

The latter can no longer be protected by loitering defenders 'holding their line' or artfully blocking onrushing players looking to challenge in the air. Cue more aerial competition, more pressure, more knock-ons and more incentive for teams not to indulge in anything fancier than a succession of garryowens. It is not unlike changing the lbw law on the eve of a major cricket Test series and the consequences are already reflected in England's team to face South Africa.