Continuity and and contestability of possession are cornerstones of the game of rugby. They attempt to co-exist at every breakdown.
Now that the ELVs are firmly rooted in our game, and rucking is unlikely to return, the governing bodies need to instruct referees to change their current modus operandi at the breakdown.
Rather than issue multiple warnings in the early stages of the game for infringements at the breakdown, I propose that players deliberately infringing at the breakdown will be dealt with by an immediate yellow card, not a procession of free kicks, full penalties and finally a yellow card.
In turn, the rugby audience needs to adopt the mindset that yellow cards are an integral part of the game, like they are in ice hockey, rather than a last resort.
Infringements come from pressure by the attacking team. A yellow card is a reward to the attacking team for trying to play attacking rugby.
Defenders are very skilled at slowing down or killing the breakdown ball for their opponents. Under this change, the consequences to the defenders match the loss suffered by the attacking team.
This will eradicate the only blight on our game: defenders, mostly burly forwards, trying out for Dramatic Arts scholarships with lines like ‘Who me?’ or ‘Sorry!’ or ‘I was stuck!’ or ‘But I was on my feet!’
When rucking was the consequence of deliberate infringement at the breakdown, players thought long and hard before venturing onto the dark side. When caught there inadvertently, they took immediate action to leave.
Yellow cards can be the new-age sanction to replace rucking.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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