England fear the All Blacks have been handed an unfair advantage for their opening Test match of the autumn after a series of new laws were introduced at short notice. After New Zealand, England also face Australia, South Africa and Eddie Jones’s Japan in the following weekends. The law variations include a version of a 20-minute red card as well as 60-second shot-clocks for kickers and 30-second limits on the formation of scrums and line-outs. Two yellows will equal a 20-minute red card, unless the second offence warrants a full red in itself. The standalone 20-minute red card alternative, which has no permanent dismissal, is due to be discussed by the World Rugby Council next month, and has been vehemently criticised by France and Ireland.

Source: Stuff October 19, 2024 00:44 UTC