WALES LOCK ALUN Wyn Jones fears Tests will resemble touch rugby if the authorities go too far with their attempts to clean up the sport.
France lock Yoann Maestri was given a warning for a tackle on Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton during a brutal Six Nations encounter in Paris this month.
Wales flanker Dan Lydiate said he may have to consider altering his chop-tackle technique after being shown a yellow card in Ospreys’ win over Edinburgh last weekend.
As Wales prepare to take on France in the Six Nations tonight, Jones has warned the physical side of the game could be stamped out if players continue to be punished.
“There was a bit of ‘afters’ [in France's win over Ireland], but you have to be careful we don’t sanitise it too much or the game might turn to touch rugby,” said Jones.
“I’m sure the officials will keep an eye on that, but that’s their job. What’s in vogue at the moment is no arms in the tackle, hands on the floor so there’s always things that dip in and out of the game.”
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