SHOULDER CHARGE: Boks muse aloud about All Blacks’ possible illegal breakdown tactics
Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones was forthright in his assessment that the All Blacks’ entries into rucks could be illegal, based on feedback from club coaches and his own analysis.
Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones has openly criticized the All Blacks' ruck tactics, suggesting their players enter rucks with tucked shoulders and reversed-arm actions. This comes after extensive video analysis from club coaches and Jones' own observations. Jones noted that the Boks are particularly concerned about the physicality of these tactics, which could be deemed illegal under World Rugby's safety standards.
Jones emphasized that while the Boks appreciate the physicality of the game, they want to ensure it remains within the laws. The All Blacks, under coach Dave Rennie, have been increasingly using aerial kicks, where players turn towards their own tryline to defend against chasers. The Boks are looking for ways to counter this aerial advantage, which has become a key component of the All Blacks' attack.
Jones acknowledged the strategic shifts in the All Blacks' game but highlighted their commitment to the new style.
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