By Fatma Younis
England head coach Steve Borthwick is seeking clarity from match officials on new laws and areas of emphasis as he attempts to resolve his side's persistent discipline problems before the Nations Championship resumes next weekend.
Discipline problems persist
England's Six Nations campaign was undermined by a high penalty count and a significant number of cards, a trend that continued during July fixtures against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina. Borthwick and other head coaches met with referees on Sunday ahead of England's November opener against Australia.
Breakdown interpretations differ
Borthwick highlighted the breakdown as a key area requiring clarity, noting that English clubs lost more ball at the breakdown and won less opposition ball than any other nation during a recent European round. He stressed that players must adapt to different refereeing styles between domestic and international rugby.
Bonus point rule change proposed
Borthwick would like the Premiership's attacking bonus point rule altered to match the Top 14 system, where a team must score at least three more tries than the opposition rather than simply crossing four times, to ensure defence remains prioritised late in matches.
New tackle laws in effect
World Rugby's new dangerous tackle laws, including the "hip-drop" and "knee-drop" tackles, will be enforced during the Nations Championship. Harlequins back-rower Chandler Cunningham-South has been ruled out of England's autumn campaign with an ankle injury suffered in a hip-drop tackle by teammate George Ford. Borthwick acknowledged the need for player welfare but emphasised his squad must be the quickest to adjust.
