Lack of 2017 credit for Italy’s good rugby against England irks Conor O’Shea

• Coach frustrated that Italy’s ‘no ruck’ tactics overshadowed display
• ‘I thought the clarification to the law was done too hastily’

Conor O’Shea has claimed Italy did not get the credit they deserved for giving England an almighty scare at Twickenham last year, expressing his frustration that the focus on his side’s “no ruck” tactics distracted from their performance. O’Shea also believes that World Rugby was too quick to amend the relevant law, which means the strategy is now illegal.

Italy led 10-5 at half-time last February and trailed by only two points with 12 minutes remaining before England struck with three late tries. It was Italy’s tactic of not contesting rucks, thereby ensuring no offside line and enabling their defenders to stand in between England’s scrum-half and his receivers with impunity, that made the headlines, however.

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from The Guardian http://ift.tt/2nhGoKo