Springboks Employ Controversial Tactic England Faced Criticism For Using

Yesterday at 05:35 PM

England's tough run continued as they suffered a fifth consecutive defeat, falling to back-to-back world champions South Africa at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. But it wasn't just the losing streak that had fans talking—it was a clever tactic England were cautioned against using earlier this year.

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Freddie Steward: Aerial Ace Under the Spotlight

Freddie Steward's aerial brilliance is undeniable, but this time, it wasn't his own actions catching attention. England's support players, seemingly "innocently" positioned to shield him, had drawn scrutiny for potentially blocking opponents. This tactic, flagged by referees during the Six Nations, spurred debate about off-the-ball interference.

Nigel Owens Weighs In

Rugby legend Nigel Owens didn't hold back when discussing England's methods during their Six Nations clash with Wales. He explained:

"Supporters have been asking on social media if England were blocking on the kick. It's a very difficult area of the game to referee because what the players can't do is, when they're running back, deliberately change their run to block the chasers."

Owens continued, emphasizing that players must avoid tactical interference:

"They can't look around and see a player coming, then change direction to go in front of him and block them. They can't go back and form a shield around the ball carrier to prevent the opposition from competing for the ball.

"All you need to decide is: were they putting players in front of the catcher to block the opposition and protect the attacker? If they do that, it's a penalty. If not, let's play on."

Springboks Pull It Off

Ironically, the Springboks executed this very tactic with precision in their victory. One notable moment featured Cheslin Kolbe blocking Steward in the lead-up to his own try, a strategic move that showcased the cunning side of South Africa's gameplay. Check out the example below to see Kolbe's crucial involvement.

Full clip:

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Five England players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them

RUCK's Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.

Here's how each player fared, with ratings from multiple outlets:

#1. Freddie Steward – High Ball Hero, Defensive Zero?

Average Rating: 4.75/10

• Evening Standard (5/10):
  “Handed a first start this autumn due to his ability under the high ball, but struggled. Williams and Kolbe skinned him for their tries.”
• Telegraph (5/10):
  “Definition of sublime and ridiculous. Left clutching thin air for both Grant Williams' and Cheslin Kolbe's tries and at one stage did a face plant. Also some brilliant high-ball takes.”
• Express (4/10):
  “At fault for tries by Kolbe and Williams as he endured a difficult return to starting line-up.”
• Rugby Pass (5/10):
  “Exposed defensively for two tries, despite strong aerial work.”

Replacement: George Furbank – He shouldn't have been dropped in the first place.

#2. Ellis Genge – The Genge Rollercoaster

Average Rating: 4.5/10

• Evening Standard (5/10):
  “Let Williams slip past him as the scrum-half went over for South Africa's opening try. Improved after that, though, and was bright in the loose – but not at his best.”
• Express (4/10):
  “Scrum problems in first half, usual full-blooded commitment for an hour.”

Replacement: Fin Baxter – Genge's leadership was strong, but a change may be needed in the tighthead role.

#3. Ollie Lawrence – Hits, Misses, and a Bit More of the Same

Average Rating: 5/10

• Telegraph (5/10):
  “Barely used as a ball-carrier again. Put one huge hit on Manie Libbok but also wasted a good attacking opportunity with a needless kick. Disappointing.”
• Planet Rugby (5/10):
  “Solid in attack but caught out in defense, continuing the trend of inconsistency.”
• Express (5/10):
  “Hit hard and carried hard, but in this fixture that is a minimum requirement.”

Replacement: Alex Lozowski – Needs to step in to provide more stability and spark in attack.

#4. Will Stuart – Scrum Woes and Penalty Troubles

Average Rating: 4.5/10

• Telegraph (4/10):
  “Difficult to overlook the succession of three penalties, even if the third seemed harsh. Did get one back at the scrum in the second half.”
• Express (5/10):
  “England again unable to build any sort of attacking platform from their scrum against the mighty Boks.”

Replacement: Dan Cole – Still England’s best tighthead.

#5. Jack van Poortvliet – Struggling to Find His Rhythm

Average Rating: 4.5/10

• Evening Standard (5/10):
  “Shaky at times and repeatedly had his box-kicks charged down.”
• Planet Rugby (5/10):
  “Never fully recovered from a shaky start, with multiple box kicks charged down by du Toit and Etzebeth.”
• Express (3/10):
  “First start in a long while and it showed. Repeatedly charged down at the base.”
• Telegraph (5/10):
  “Etzebeth made him his bunny, charging him down twice in a hesitant early performance.”

Replacement: Ben Spencer – Should've been given more game time from the start.

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