England boss Steve Borthwick has moved swiftly to address his side’s scrummaging problems – fielding the second heaviest pack of the weekend.
Under his predecessor Eddie Jones, England’s scrum was the worst in the world in 2022 according to official statistics, completing only 85 per cent on their ball.
According to The Telegraph,despite their poor results at the set piece, match officials analysed and highlighted that England’s scrummaging technique was ‘very illegal”.
The issue surrounded the ‘fairness’ of England’s scrum at the meeting, which was made worse by Jones reportedly refusing to speak to officials in his final few months in charge.
Former scrum coach Matt Proudfoot was let go following Borthwick’s appointment, with Richard Cockerill taking charge of the scrum.
England have spent a significant portion of their preparation time over the last two weeks ‘rebuilding their scrum’ and ‘overhauling previous techniques.’
COMPETITION
ROUND ONE PACK WEIGHTS: ENGLAND FIELD THE HEAVIEST:
Wales vs Ireland pack weights:
Wales pack: G Thomas – 118kg, Owens (capt) – 109kg, Francis – 135kg, Beard – 116kg, Alun Wyn Jones – 117kg, Morgan – 102kg, Tipuric – 102kg, Faletau – 110kg.
TOTAL: 909kg
Ireland pack: Porter – 125kg, Sheehan – 111kg, Bealham – 123kg; Beirne – 113kg, Ryan – 115kg; O’Mahony – 107kg, Van der Flier – 106.5kg, Doris 106kg.
TOTAL: 906.5