ball-carrier

The study - which examined 18,702 tackles - also linked the law change to a 29% reduction in head-to-shoulder contact for the tackler and ball-carrier.

Peet's side were irresistible, making momentum-shifting gains with ball in hand, defending brilliantly - three times carrying the ball-carrier into touch - and smothering the hosts throughout.

They were favourites to lose, but they took the lead when McTominay headed away a Switzerland short corner then then took off in pursuit of the ball-carrier, Andy Robertson.

His selection at No. 8 proved a stretch, but the dynamic playmaker was a triple threat as a receiver, ball-carrier and kick returner during three Rams seasons in St. Louis under then-coach Jeff Fisher..

"You can become the premier ball-carrier in European rugby," the words of Bath head coach Johann van Graan to his new recruit.