Court confident Irish pack can pass the test

IRELAND prop Tom Court is confident the Irish pack will not fall foul of the latest clampdown on scrummaging issued by IRB chief referee Paddy O’Brien.

Reports emerged in New Zealand at the weekend that O’Brien has issued a five-point guideline to the 10 referees officiating at this year’s tournament starting on Friday, when Irish ref George Clancy takes charge of the opening game between the All Blacks and Tonga.

O’Brien has told referees “the foot has come off the throat” in terms of applying the latest law interpretations. The Kiwi has targeted the breakdown, in particular, where he feels the application of the laws concerning the tackler rolling away and arriving players entering the tackle through the gate have been relaxed.