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Jeremy Guscott calls for radical law change


England and Lions great Jeremy Guscott has called on World Rugby to restrict the number of replacements teams can use during a game from eight to three.

Writing in the Rugby Paper, the 65-times England centre, who also played eight Tests for the Lions, said: “The World Cup has left the game on a high and there should be a feelgood factor from the tournament in rugby nations around the globe.

“My only reservation is that it would be an even better sport if the bench was reduced in number. Half a team coming on with fresh legs and sharp minds against guys, who have been taken to the point of exhaustion, is pushing the game out of the realms of normality.

“We have got to make sure that Rugby Union remains a game in which skill and fitness are paramount – even though the fitness element has been eroded.

“A player like Alun Wyn Jones can go for 80 minutes, and so can Mako Vunipola, but there are a hell of a lot that cannot. The only problem is they are not made to pay the price.

EDITORS PICKS:

“The game is great in many ways, but we should not be afraid to make it better. You could still have six or eight on the bench, but only be able to use three of them.

“I believe this sport can get better still, and more attractive to play and to watch, by limiting the number of substitutions – and that should be the next big step we take.”

The post Jeremy Guscott calls for radical law change appeared first on Ruck.

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