England’s Pool A rivals Wales and Australia both run the risk of being deducted points at this year’s Rugby World Cup after selecting just two specialist hookers in their final 31-man squads.
According to World Rugby rules, each team must pick six specialist front-row players in their matchday squad – two of which must be specialist hookers.
Am I right in thinking Wales, like Australia, only going to @rugbyworldcup with 2 hookers… what am I /England missing re loopholes?
— Will Greenwood (@WillGreenwood) August 31, 2015
This means that if any of the Welsh or Australian hookers go down with an injury less than two days before a game, their team could be punished with a points deduction.
Teams are allowed to replace injured players in their squads during the tournament, but must wait 48 hours from when the injury was reported to do so.
In a group as competitive as Pool A, any points deductions could prevent a team from making the quarter-finals.
It certainly seems like a huge risk to take on the biggest stage.
