Highs of the chase exciting James Lowe as Ireland look ahead to Scottish 'challenge'

James Lowe believes the clampdown on escorting that has led to more aerial contests is "good for the game".

Towards the end of last year, officials were instructed to reinforce existing obstruction laws around the kick-chase and rugby fans are now seeing more one-on-one battles for the high ball.

It has taken backfield players some time to adjust but Ireland wing Lowe, who will win his 38th cap against Scotland today, says it's working out better than he initially expected.

"I think it's an interesting one with how the game is going and access in the air," he said.

"At the start, I didn’t think it was going to end well. I thought there would be more mid-air accidents.

"I don’t think that’s happened. I think the contests in the air have been good.

"It’s been good for the game. And the reason that people aren’t being taken out in the air is probably because as people are chasing, they’re not having to adjust. There aren’t people checking them."

The New Zealand native, who joined Leinster from Chiefs in 2017, has personal experience of how that affects a chaser.

Lowe was sent off and banned for taking former Ireland and Munster wing Andrew Conway out in the air in a Pro14 clash in 2018 (below).

"When I took Andrew Conway out in the air, it was because I was trying to make my way through and I think it was actually Murr [Conor Murray] who checked me, and then I didn't get my feet right and that’s why the accident happens.

"So I think it’s good. I think it sucks because there’s more pressure on an outside back now but no, I think it’s good. It’s been decent for the game. Nothing bad has happened from it."

In last weekend's win over England, Lowe took one catch with two hands over his head, as did England full-back Freddie Steward, the