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2 Prem clubs' very different reactions to the leggings law change

(Photo by Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images)

Two of the Gallagher Premiership’s London clubs – Saracens, whose home ground has a synthetic surface, and London Irish who use a grass pitch – have given very different reactions to the World Rugby law change that now allows men’s players to wear leggings in matches with immediate effect. 

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Synthetic surfaces regularly generate negative headlines. Only last month England prop Joe Marler hit out at that type of pitch following Harlequins’ new-season opener at Newcastle, one of four clubs in the 13-team Premiership to use artificial surfaces along with Saracens, Gloucester and Worcester.

World Rugby announced on Tuesday that its executive committee had amended a law so that players would be able to wear tights or leggings in matches at all levels of the sport, something that had only been permissible for women.

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With some players susceptible to abrasions on artificial surfaces, the decision gives players the option to wear tights or leggings as a preventative measure, maximising access to the game,” read a statement from the game’s governing body.

Asked by RugbyPass if this law change was a topic of discussion at Saracens, who have had a synthetic surface as their home pitch since 2013, Mark McCall said: “I actually haven’t talked to anybody about it. I don’t really have anything to say on that, sorry. There have been some grazes from time to time but I have really had any conversations with the players about it.”

McCall’s succinct reaction was very different to what Declan Kidney said earlier on Wednesday, the London Irish boss suggesting that the law change would be well received by his squad. Their view was shaped by last month’s painful experience at Worcester. “I’d say there will be a couple (of players) who will be really happy,” claimed the Exiles boss. 

We had one game on synthetic already this year and the burn cuts on the knees and legs for three or four players were quite significant. That (law change) will come as a real relief to them. We know we have a number of games we have to play on 3G surfaces, so the fact that there is an added layer of protection there will be to the benefit of the players.

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J
JWH 41 minutes ago
Are the All Blacks doomed to a 70% flatline?

Interesting take, crazy to see the amount of delulu NZ fans here. I am an NZ fan, but this is atrocious.


I am fine with 75%+, in fact I think that is excellent, but the main point of anguish is not IF we win or lose, it is how. I think that Razor has finally got us playing to our identity again; flowing, simple, and brutally decisive & efficient.


There are certainly some issues that the stats reflect, like the scrum and lineout. However, at scrum time, there isn't really much variation, in terms of attack, you can put on that. So at the end of the day, not much to do differently apart from 'scrum better'.


However, the lineout is quite interesting. As Ryan said earlier this week, the ABs have added a lot of depth and combinations to their lineout, with FOUR lineout options (Barrett, Vaai, Savea, Sititi). While they did only retain 80% possession from lineouts (not great), the stat line is actually 12/15, which is pretty good, considering Aumua did all those lineout with limited experience and tiredness after playing 75 minutes at Twickenham.


There are also some really good stats to back up the ABs. They managed to stay out of their own 22 for a lot of the game, however they also didn't set up camp in the opp 22 often either. They are also passing the ball a lot, clocking in at 211 passes, double that of England. These stats show a return to attacking, flowing rugby, and not playing your own 22, which is the ABs style.


What I think Razor wants to do is make effective use of draw and pass, simple rugby. This can be pre or post contact, but you have to draw more than 1 player. For example, that Sititi offload to Telea, or BB to Jordan. Those were excellent, yet overall simple passages of rugby This can be risky at times (just watch DMac play), but it is a medium risk high reward gameplan.


What we Kiwis want is exciting rugby. We want hard defense, big hits, cool plays, and quick linebreaks. I cannot imagine being an SA fan between 2018-2021, which was one of the most boring rugby teams of all time (respectfully). I also cannot imagine being an England fan right now, so dull. But the ABs are making rugby exciting again, playing like Scotland and Fiji, but better.

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