Eddie Jones Claims Scrums Have Lost Tactical Influence in Six Nations as Teams Prioritize Lineouts and Tap Plays

Eddie Jones and Ewan McKenzie explain why the scrum has lost its impact in the 2026 Six Nations, as teams favor lineouts and fast-tap penalties.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 14, 2026, 8:58 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetRugby

The Diminishing Role of the Set-Piece Reset

As the 2026 Six Nations reaches its conclusion, Eddie Jones has observed a significant decline in the influence of the scrum on match outcomes. According to the Japan head coach, the set-piece has transitioned from a tactical weapon into a mere "restart" mechanism, lacking the transformative impact seen in previous eras. Jones contends that for the duration of the current tournament, he cannot identify a single fixture where scrum dominance fundamentally dictated the scoreboard. This shift represents a departure from the traditional Northern Hemisphere identity, which historically prioritized the physical attrition of the front-row contest as a means of gaining psychological and territorial advantages.

A Tactical Shift Toward Fatigue and Speed

Ewan McKenzie, a former Test prop, supports Jones’s assessment, noting that Northern Hemisphere sides are increasingly moving away from the "penalty-hunting" scrum culture perfected by South Africa. Instead of attempting to generate territory through scrum infringements, teams are opting for lineouts or tap plays when awarded penalties inside the opposition’s 22-meter line. McKenzie suggests that this is a deliberate psychological and tactical choice intended to maintain the speed of the game and induce fatigue in the opposition. With fewer scrums—averaging only 10 to 13 per match—the opportunity for teams to exploit set-piece dominance has been drastically reduced in favor of more high-tempo options.

The Impact of English Refereeing Styles

The role of the official in the middle has been cited as a primary driver of the scrum’s declining influence. Jones points to the upcoming appointment of Luke Pearce for the Ireland versus Scotland clash as a prime example. While praising Pearce for being in the "best form of his career," Jones notes that English officials typically prefer a "tidy" set-piece where the ball is moved away quickly rather than allowing a prolonged contest for a penalty. This refereeing philosophy discourages teams from investing heavily in the scrum as a primary source of points, as the likelihood of receiving a decisive reward for dominance remains low under the current officiating trends.