The legality of England’s scrum will be in the spotlight when Steve Borthwick takes charge for the first time against Scotland this Saturday.
Last week, a conference call between match officials and the scrum coaches from each of the Six Nations teams left RFU personnel red-faced, with the presentation including multiple examples of the England scrum being penalised. According to the data presented, the Red Roses only retained 85% of their own ball in 2022.
The area also proved problematic in the Autumn series, and being taking apart by South Africa in one proved the final game of the Eddie Jones era. The Springboks prevailed that day 27-13, with Jones, who was sacked weeks later, vociferously critical of the referee afterwards with his side having given away four scrum penalties.
