really like the referee focus on wanting “access” for the chasers after kicks & no blockers on box kicks. Saw some great aerial contests in #ENGvNZL game. #RugbyAnalysis #CoachEducation

Great for those of us who like endless Garryowens

@thepaulwilliams We’re going to see a lot more kicking though, aren’t we? In a way I don’t mind it because the attacking ball it creates can be exciting but attacking teams now quite incentivised to hoof it up in the air. Will change how teams pick their back three too.

Single most interesting thing about yesterday’s game, yet almost entirely unremarked If refs keep on it like this big implications. Expect a lot more kicking and greater emphasis on back 3 aerial skills.

Aerial contests! That’s 1 of the many parts of the modern game the public needs to see less of. 15 with the ball in attack v 11 (4 defenders in the back field) 11 always prevent 15 creating space, bizarrely! Next thing the 15 attackers decide to put the ball in the air. #notagain

Definitely favours the attacking team. Not much to lose, but huge gain if you get the ball back. Will expect a lot of this

Just encourages more kicking.

Had a debate with a friend about a player contesting the ball in the air who has an unrealistic chance of catching it…is this like deliberately batting away a pass when you can’t get the intercept? E.g. England player in the above clip near the end.

That’s why referees have been asked to focus on it. World rugby wants a great focus on allowing chasers access to contest for the ball.