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Having watched the opening two rounds of the Super 14, it is clear that the new law interpretations have brought some welcome changes to the game. Teams seem much more willing to run with the ball, knowing they can have confidence in keeping it.
On the other side, we have seen defenders being very strictly policed if not moving away immediately or if caught hanging onto the ball. Even when on their feet, they are pinged.
This seems to have resulted in some sides conceding the ruck and marking up, hoping to cause a knock-on or other mistake to get the ball.
In discussions on this site, people have been asking how it is possible to force ruck turnovers without an opposition mistake. In my mind, there is no way to legally turn the ball over using last year’s techniques.
Even if a tackler is quick enough to get to his feet, release fully and then go for the ball, by the time this is done, an attacking player is there, and now it’s a ruck.
No hands boys!
Also, it is nigh on impossible to stand on your own two feet in that situation. Players are generally leaning on the tackled player (even slightly). This means they are as good as on the ground and playing the ball is a no-no.
So what do you do? Do you use a second player to attack the ball?
This deoesn’t seem to have worked thus far as they have been pinged for being in the tackle area, and unless the timing is exact, they have the same issues as the tackler.
The only thing you can do is forget about getting immediate hands on the ball at all. You teach your players to clear over the top of the ball.
You will undoubtebly meet the opposition there, and that creates the ruck situation. Beat them over the offside line and the ball is yours.
The scavenger is dead and everything old is new again!
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.