Six Nations
Edwards: Choke tackle a blight on the game
ESPN Staff
February 24, 2015
Shaun Edwards says Wales' game against England © Getty Images
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Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards says the in-vogue 'choke tackle' should be outlawed because it is a "blight on the game" and prevents entertaining rugby.

The legal tackling technique has been favoured recently by Stuart Lancaster's England, who face a potential Six Nations Grand Slam decider against Ireland on Sunday.

In executing the challenge, a tackled player is deliberately hit by man and ball around the chest and shoulder area and prevented from going to ground. This creates a maul situation and can gain the defending team a turnover scrum.

It has been employed with particular success by reigning Six Nations champions Ireland, whose defence coach Les Kiss has been widely credited with pioneering it at Test level.

"I think the choke tackle is very dangerous," said Edwards. "To me it is a blight on the game that encourages high tackling.

"Everyone is talking about concussion, so let's start with this. Does anyone think it adds to the game and makes it more exciting? What happens after a choke tackle? A scrum. Referees should let it go for longer."

Wales found themselves embroiled in a concussion row after their opening defeat against England, after wing George North was allowed to play on despite suffering two blows to the head, the second of which knocked him out cold.

Warren Gatland's side take on France in Paris on Saturday, with North and Samson Lee - who missed the victory over Scotland last time out because of concussion - both fit for selection.

Second-row Alun Wyn Jones said: "There are elements of safety but where do you stop? You could start wearing more pads and helmets but then you are going into a different sport.

" It is the same with shoulder charges: if you are in a driving maul and make a connection deemed as a charge, you are damned if you do, damned if you don't."

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