Change in breakdown rule irks Ireland

IRELAND manager Paul McNaughton last night described the decision of the IRB to apply the new interpretation of the breakdown laws to the Six Nations midway through the tournament as “very disappointing”.

The new laws led to confusion in the stands and on the pitch at Croke Park on Saturday as referee Craig Joubert blew for 26 penalties in a stop-start affair as the players struggled to get to grips with the new style of play.

And McNaughton confirmed the players were only informed of the change the night before the win over Wales.