A little precursor to the much discussed tactics employed by Italy at the breakdown happened in the 50th minute of Ireland’s game against France the day before. Johnny Sexton had just landed his drop goal and Seán O’Brien had fielded Camille Lopez’s restart, before being tackled over the 10-metre line by Baptiste Serin. Louis Picamoles went in to contest the ruck but then backed off, leaving four Irish players over O’Brien.

There was no ruck. No offside line.