LONDON SCOTTISH bamboozled Yorkshire Carnegie with an unusual method of halting a driving maul.
The odd tactic led to one of the most bizarre moments in rugby as the sides were left in a minute-long stalemate.
Defending a line-out in their own 22, Scottish did not compete before refusing to bind and create a maul.
That meant they could directly tackle the ball carrier at the front if Carnegie moved forwards.
And the tactic also saw the hosts unable to move the ball to the back of the group for fear of giving a penalty for obstruction.
After a spell of gradually edging sideways waiting for Scottish to commit, the ball carrier eventually broke for the line and was promptly tacked.
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Unfortunately for the visitors, Yorkshire shrugged off the standoff to run out 27-19 winners but at least they turned a few heads.
On the international scene, Italy have used the same tactics in a clash with Ireland.
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And the Six Nations strugglers also caused a stir when they did not commit at the breakdown against England.
The ruse meant no offside line was formed and Italian defenders could stand wherever they wanted – causing havoc among the opposition ranks.
Many hailed the ingenious move but England boss Eddie Jones was not impressed, roaring: “If you paid for a ticket you should ask for your money back.
“You haven’t seen a game of rugby.
“If that’s rugby then I’m going to retire. That’s not rugby. You’re looking to pass and all you can see is one of their players.
“I’m not critical of our side a bit because we didn’t play rugby. We practised for a game of rugby all week and we didn’t get it.”
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