England responded to the suggestion they use runners to block defenders through attacking skills coach Mike Catt, who insists the theory behind their backline moves is used throughout the game.

“Probably everyone in world rugby does what we do, so I don’t know what Shaun’s concern is,” Catt said.

“There’s nothing illegal about it. Every team runs those sorts of shapes. The rugby league guys do it.

“It’s league and union and everyone together. I don’t know why Wales don’t do it. They do, surprise surprise!

“I think this is the first time it’s been pulled up. Now it’s run in such detail and with such precision that sometimes you get it wrong, but a lot of the time you get it right.

“Unless you’re running into a player, I don’t think you’re obstructing. If you go in between two players that’s not obstruction.”

Clearly hoping to draw Garces’ attention to an area he believes England will look to exploit, Edwards highlighted the possible obstruction that could be a product of the underdogs’ attacking game.

“England will come at you with a lot of what is called rugby league plays with the ball out the back and it is important we get our structure right on that,” Edwards said.

“It is also important there is no obstruction of our defensive plays up ahead of the ball.

“When you watch rugby league games, there are a lot of tries disallowed when they go to the TMO (television match official) if there has been any obstruction ahead of the ball. I am sure the TMO and the referee will be well aware of that.

”It is a risk doing a lot of those league plays because of the obstruction rule, and I think the obstruction rule is administered even more harshly in rugby union than possibly what it is in rugby league."