Power in danger of squeezing out skill in rugby union’s battle of big hits | Paul Rees

Bulkier players, greater fitness and replacements use is shrinking the space in which artistry like Phil Bennett’s can be displayedThe chairman of Augusta International, Fred Ridley, this week expressed his concern that modern golfers were smashing their way through courses and damaging the sport’s ecosystem: power was elbowing out skill through improved athleticism and technology.Rugby union has the same problem. As various surveys are made of injuries and concussion – the latest on the latter by Cardiff Met University noted that those who were looking to lengthen the season should bear in mi…