France have found a way to evolve the South African blueprint, and the ramifications are disastrous
Matt Williams: The age of rugby imperialism is here, and Ireland must realise we sit with the ‘Have-nots’
South Africa used this influx of power to destroy teams at the scrum, maul, breakdown and in defence. Just after Dan Sheehan had plunged over to put Ireland ahead, at the 48-minute mark, Fabien Galthié pulled the trigger and unleashed his power running unit of forwards on to the field. Jégou had possession for a three-on-one try-scoring opportunity and ridiculously kicked possession away. His try was a pick-and-go from less than a metre as he was in the centre of a nine-man pack. Ireland were simply incapable of gaining possession to expose his defence because France were so dominant in attack.
The ramifications for the women’s game are even more stark. If France, England and New Zealand, who dominate the global women’s game, adopt a 7-1 bench and force the concept of three separate units on to countries such as Ireland − whose professional playing population is a fraction of those giant rugby nations − then this loophole in our safety laws will cement into place a permanent two-tier system that will make it close to impossible for Ireland and other smaller nations to compete.
Ireland's Josh van der Flier tries to stop another France attack. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
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