Borthwick's fear for rugby's future

SPOTLIGHT: A new law directive to create fairer aerial contests is in danger of turning rugby union into Australian Rules football fears England coach Steve Borthwick.

Borthwick has recalled fullback Freddie Steward who’s renowned for aerial skills for Saturday’s 2023 World Cup semifinal rematch against world champions South Africa at Twickenham – in response to World Rugby’s crackdown on ‘escort runners’ who block the path of kick-chasers.

The England coach, however feels that rather leading to a more open contest, the change has had the unintended consequence of producing more scrums.

“You don’t want to turn rugby union into Aussie rules,” said Borthwick in reference to a football code built upon kicking the ball long distances.

“I thought our game was in pretty good shape. There has been a fundamental change here,” Borthwick said.

Borthwick lamented the fact that the directive was announced on the eve of the November internationals.

“At that point in time, no players had played with it and we’re now putting it on to high level Tests that are effectively the biggest stage of World Rugby other than the World Cup,” he said.

“I will be really interested to see where this goes because currently I see it only leading to more kicking and more scrums.

“I don’t think anyone wants it to turn into Aussie rules.”

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, speaking several hours before Borthwick named his team, predicted Stewart’s recall, stating he would be ‘devastating’ under the new law due to to his aerial prowess.

Borthwick also acknowledged that the 1.95 metre-long Steward has ‘super strength’ in the air.

“That contestable kicking game means that anyone who has strengths in that area is going to be very important in this game,” Borthwick added.