Rugby fans, brace yourselves—the sport we love might be on the brink of a major shift, and it’s all because of a controversial tactic that’s left everyone scratching their heads. But here’s where it gets controversial: Eddie Jones, the outspoken Japan head coach, has called for a ‘crackdown’ and is urging World Rugby to step up and ‘show leadership’ after France’s tactics effectively denied Ireland a fair contest in their recent Six Nations clash. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about one game; it’s about the future of rugby itself.
The issue? France repeatedly employed a lightning-fast, short lineout strategy, with players jumping before the hooker was even settled at the mark. This left Ireland with no real opportunity to contest the ball, sparking a heated debate about the integrity of the game. Former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie was quick to highlight this during the tournament’s opener, pointing out that such tactics undermine the very essence of the lineout contest. Is this the end of the lineout as we know it?
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 strategies. In November 2024, they greenlit a law trial where skewed throws wouldn’t be penalized if the defensive team didn’t contest in the air. The updated law now reads: ‘If the non-throwing team does not lift a teammate to compete for the ball, then play shall continue.’ Sounds fair, right? But here’s the catch: critics argue this has stripped the lineout of its competitive edge, turning it into a mere formality rather than a strategic battle.
Former IRFU referee boss Owen Doyle has been vocal about this, urging World Rugby to address the issue before it’s too late. McKenzie echoed these concerns, questioning whether the lineout contest has become a thing of the past. ‘There’s no contest in the lineout now,’ he said. ‘Teams are just running in and jumping.’ Is this progress, or are we losing what makes rugby unique?
Eddie Jones isn’t mincing words either. While he admits he’s unsure about the exact phrasing of the law, he’s adamant that there must be a genuine opportunity to contest possession. ‘France clearly had a tactic to get the ball in as quickly as possible,’ he noted, adding that the simplicity of their lineout stood out. But is this tactical brilliance or a loophole that needs closing?
And this is the part most people miss: if the lineout becomes just a restart of play, what’s next? Will we see teams opting to tap and go instead of engaging in what was once a cornerstone of the sport? McKenzie fears this could be the beginning of the end for the lineout as a contested phase, and he’s not alone.
Jones hopes World Rugby will act swiftly, reinstating the contest for the remainder of the Six Nations. ‘It’s a great opportunity for World Rugby to show some leadership,’ he said. But will they? Or will they let this trend continue, potentially altering the game forever?
Here’s the burning question: Is rugby evolving for the better, or are we sacrificing tradition for the sake of speed? Let’s spark a debate—do you think World Rugby should crack down on these tactics, or is this the natural progression of the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
