Italy’s Six Nations tactics will ‘kill the game’, warns George Ford after England make it three wins

England fly half George Ford urged rugby chiefs to outlaw the spoiling tactics employed by Italy at Twickenham on Sunday, saying they had the potential to “kill the game”.

Six Nations champions England eventually won 36-15 to remain on course for back-to-back Grand Slams and extend their winning run to 17 successive victories.

But the final score did not tell the story of an extraordinary match where perennial whipping boys Italy, against all predictions, led 10-5 at half-time.

England were repeatedly frustrated during the first half by Italy’s novel tactic of refusing to commit anyone other than the tackler to the breakdown, meaning no ruck was formed.

As a result offside became irrelevant and Italy players could stand directly between scrum half Danny Care and fly-half Ford.

French referee Romain Poite, who had been warned about Italy’s approach at the traditional pre-match meeting officials have with both teams, saw nothing wrong in what the visitors were doing, with England eventually playing in similar fashion.