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Commentators love to blame referees when scrum collapses – it is an easy out. The truth though, is that referees do not have as much control as you might think.
The scrum has certainly evolved from when engagements were called “Crouch-hold-engage” to “Crouch-touch-pause-engage” to “Crouch-touch-set” and finally “Crouch-bind-set”. When it was the players calling engage, scrums were far more volatile than they are today. In fact, the Crouch-bind-set has helped with ensuring the props use their outside arm to bind to their opposing prop, adding more stability.
Ultimately though, players and coaches are the ones who go through training sessions to correct their technique and strength to decrease the likelihood of collapses.
I have refereed junior rugby and while they are still learning, I do get concerned with the way some props and hookers directly face the opposing goal-line, don’t bind to their teammates and I hate seeing their heads dipping down.
They are kids and deserve some benefit of the doubt, which is why coaching is paramount – to ensure players are not putting themselves in these dangerous positions.
I have been told “Chest, chin, eyes” but too often I see eyes-chin-chest. I have a word with the players and suggest to go uncontested scrums, even though I want the scrums to be contested – otherwise players will not learn and we end up with those rugby league lean-ons.
At the professional level, most collapses happen because one team is getting a great shunt, hence the other team buckles under pressure and is forced to concede a penalty.
The commentators have their ususal rant about the referees making a mistake as to who infringed, but give very little credit to the front row that won the particular penalty. Mike Cron is a great example of how excellent coaching can give a team an edge at scrum time.
There was one under 10 game I refereed where I was very impressed with the scrum technique of both sets of players. No resets, no penalties and the ball came out every time.
There were scrums won against the head, but that is the making of a true contest for the ball. Both sets of players were well coached and the players showed tremendous knowledge for their age bracket.
There are referees like Romain Poite, considered the best scrum referee, who do an excellent job of managing the scrum. But ultimately, it is the players and coaches’ responsibility to get the scrum correct.
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.