England's Freddie Steward has called for rugby union's governing bodies to review the laws surrounding contestable kicks, which he believes are making it increasingly difficult for players to secure high balls. With the Six Nations championship set to kick off next week, the full-back is pushing for a ban on one-handed "flapping" by chasing players, insisting that all jumpers should be required to make a genuine two-handed attempt to catch the ball.
Steward Advocates for Law Tweak to Outlaw Spoiling Tactics
Steward, who is expected to start at full-back for England against Wales, has voiced his concerns about the current regulations. He argues that the crackdown on defensive escort runners has inadvertently encouraged onrushing opponents to employ spoiling tactics, making it harder than ever to come down cleanly with the ball. "It's probably more difficult than ever to come down clean with the ball with this new law," Steward stated, confirming he would be "a big advocate" for a change.
He emphasised that a law requiring players to make a genuine attempt to catch the ball would be a positive step forward. "It's too easy for wingers just to be a nuisance," Steward explained. "It probably lacks a bit of skill just being able to throw your body in and flail an arm. I've struggled with it because I have that expectation of myself that you want to come down with absolutely everything. It's very difficult to do that nowadays."
Increased Physicality and Safety Concerns in Aerial Battles
The situation has forced Steward to alter his technique in a way that he admits puts opponents at greater risk of injury. He revealed that he now has to approach aerial contests with maximum speed and height, adjusting his body position to be more aggressive. "Before I could probably go up with less speed and less height," said Steward. "Now you have to be at max speed and max height and get your knee in the right position if you want to come down with the ball."
Steward described how the aerial space, once considered relatively safe, has become much more physical. "It's so much more physical in the air now. It used to be quite a safe space. Now you have to be braver and almost expect a collision every time you go up," he noted. He has changed his catching technique to be squarer, using his knee as a "battering ram" to deter opponents from flapping. "If a winger is trying to flap they often turn their back so it's almost like: 'Right, I'm going to try and knee you in the back as hard as I can.' As hard as that is, that makes them think twice about coming and flapping again."
Potential Impact on the Six Nations and Broader Game
With England coach Steve Borthwick predicting that Wales will kick the ball "50 times" in their upcoming match, Steward anticipates an increase in contestable kicking throughout the Six Nations. "I think we will see an increase in contestable kicking in this tournament, for sure," he said. "With the law changes it's become a tactic a lot of teams will go for. Teams are being smart now and you can see them putting players on the other side of the ball. It's almost like a game of chess."
Clamping down on one-handed taps would mirror the existing penalties for defensive knock-downs, potentially leading to more scrums if more knock-ons occur. However, not everyone agrees with Steward's perspective. Some, including South Africa's assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, support the current law, believing it encourages a fairer contest for the ball. "We are going in the right direction with how the aerial contest has been cleaned up," Stick commented.
Despite differing opinions, Steward's call for change highlights the ongoing debate about balancing safety, skill, and competition in rugby union's aerial battles.
