Scotland's 16-20 Six Nations loss to France this afternoon will be remembered for a dodgy last play TMO call to decide the game, but there was another - and very topical - aspect of the game that also played its part.
What's known as the 'Dupont Rule', has become a strongly debated topic between pundits and fans alike, with most agreeing that has become a stain on the game.
France v Scotland Game Highlights Flaw In Laws
While no rules have changed, the loophole exploited by Antoine Dupont was succinctly explained by Bernard Jackman on RTE's Against The Head:
There hasn't been a change in the laws but it's called the Dupont law because a year-and-a-half ago Antoine Dupont, the French captain, went to the referee before the match.
He explained that on kick-tennis battles, they don't actually have to retreat, they don't have to be put onside, as long as they stay static. If the catcher of the ball runs five metres or throws a pass, then they're onside.
It's something the lawmakers are going to have to change.
The reason you kick back and forth is to tire out the front five...this is not a mark, yet it creates a natural break in play.
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"It's going to ruin not just this game, but the game itself!"
The Dupont loophole on show at Murrayfield...#SCOvFRA | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/hDryJ0ldud
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 10, 2024
From the clip above you can see a particularly egregious use of the rule from both sides, who have effectively worked it as a chance for a breather for both sets of forwards - as the crowd boo in frustration.
"Here we go," said Virgin commentator Alan Quinlan.
"And what this does, and why it needs to change, it stops players from running back and back-three players from having the ambition to actually attack. It's too risky unless the player has loads of time and space.
"The kick tennis stuff they just stand there..... It's going to ruin, not just this game, but the game itself."
In studio after the game, the 'rule' was criticised by all of the panel, with host Joe Molloy calling it an 'embarrassment' on the game, and Matt Williams saying that it is due to ignorance from the governing bodies.
In fairness to World Rugby, they are generally swift with law amending when there is a clear need for change.
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