France ruthlessly exploit ridiculous new law change with sneaky loophole during Six Nations clash
Yesterday at 05:22 PM
England may have clinched a dramatic victory over Six Nations favourites France, but Les Bleus were at the centre of controversy after taking full advantage of a bizarre law change at the Allianz Stadium.
Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
Elliot Daly's 79th-minute try sealed a thrilling win for Steve Borthwick's side, with Fin Smith's clutch conversion ensuring England saw out the final moments without drama. But while the hosts celebrated, one moment from the game left fans fuming.
The law change that let France bend the rules
World Rugby's updated law states:
“If the ball isn't thrown straight and the opposing team doesn't contest, play continues. If they do contest, they get the option of a scrum or lineout. A second crooked throw? Scrum to the original throwers.”
France spotted the loophole and wasted no time exploiting it. At one point, they threw a quick underarm lineout, giving England no chance to contest and bypassing the usual set-piece battle.
Fans react to France's crafty move
Supporters were quick to voice their frustration, with many questioning how this rule could be allowed to stand.
One fan wrote: “No competition = crooked throw isn’t a penalty. I reckon this may be reviewed by World Rugby. On the other hand, maybe not, as it speeds up the game, which is partially their goal.”
A second said: “On the back of nonsense like this, the rule will be thankfully scrapped.”
Another added: “Can’t blame France. Take the opportunities you work out for yourself.”
However, not everyone was impressed, with one fan calling it out: “This is BS. I’m all for teams trying to push to the limit of the law, but this makes a mockery of a set-piece which should fundamentally be contestable.”
With the spotlight now firmly on this law change, it remains to be seen whether World Rugby will step in—or if other teams will look to follow France's lead.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Statement: Eddie Jones departs ITV's 2025 Six Nations coverage
- England player ratings vs France: 2025 Six Nations
- Six players who flopped in the Six Nations today – "Miles off it"
- England star escaped punishment for cheapshot, did you spot this?
Six players who flopped in the Six Nations today – "Miles off it"
Six Nations Saturday saw plenty of drama, but not every player rose to the occasion. While Italy stunned Wales and England edged past France, these six players had performances they'd rather forget.
#1. Antoine Dupont (France)
Rugby Pass 5/10: “By Antoine Dupont's insuperable standards, this was not vintage. Controlled the game with both feet and mixed his kicking to keep Marcus Smith guessing. But he had a few sloppy passes in him, including a hospital pass to Alexandre Roumat. Looked to be in for a certain try soon after, but spilt a pass with the try line beckoning. Had the ball ripped from his clutches by Tom Curry just metres from England's line early in the second 40. Not too bad by a normal player's standards, but for Dupont, this was quite error-strewn. There were, of course, still moments of pure genius.”
Mail Online 6/10: “He’s human after all. Not immune to French tension and far from imperious best but arcing run set up one try and long passes helped create two others.”
#2. Josh Adams (Wales)
RUCK 3/10: “After hitting a milestone last timeout against France, Adams probably was looking for a much better performance than last week in Paris. He did have two opportunities from kicks in behind but, again, didn't see much of the ball. The 29-year-old was also awarded a yellow card on 58 minutes for making contact with Paolo Garbisi's head, perhaps he can count himself lucky that it wasn't a red.”
Planet Rugby 4/10: “Looked pretty threatening throughout, but just blew two huge opportunities that could have swung the game back to Wales, and you think he would have nabbed these a few years ago. Lucky to escape a red card too for his challenge on Paolo Garbisi.”
Wales Online 4/10: “Butchered two try-scoring opportunity by spilling the ball forward with the line at his mercy, albeit in difficult conditions. Received a yellow card for a cynical high shot on Paolo Garbisi.”
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
The post France ruthlessly exploit ridiculous new law change with sneaky loophole during Six Nations clash appeared first on Ruck.
