Rugby has increased dramatically as a spectacle over the last couple of years; however the Wallabies-Samoa game reiterated that more needs to be done. While the second half opened up, in what were difficult conditions, the first half saw a large number of penalties and errors – thanks largely to an ill-disciplined Samoan outfit.
One particularly frustrating part of the game and most rugby games is the amount of time being taken up by scrums taking away from the game itself.
Setting up a scrum can take almost an entire minute of play. In England, the situation has led to broadcasters issuing a ‘scrum clock’, which, knowing northern hemisphere-style rugby, means a large period of the game is lost to collapsed scrums and resets.
‘Scrum Improvement’ is in constant discussion. In fact, there is talk of removing the ‘hit’ – where opposing teams come together instead.
According to the head of referees, Paddy O’Brian, this could occur sooner than thought, considering that no new rules need to be applied and that it is merely a reapplication of the old rules.
Including such a notion means that my idea for scrummaging has the potential to work.
What if you issued a scrum clock, with a set period of time to pack the scrum. The team with the ball has say, 20 seconds to get up, pack and get the ball into the scrum.
This would ensure that time spent scrummaging is minimised. There is therefore less emphasis on perfect technique to maximize power to get over the advantage line and therefore the possibility of a reset is reduced.
I also think it would make scrums safer. Above all, it would stop me swearing at the television.
What do you think, Roarers?
vaguely
Roar Pro
It's been said that the Force have the best back 3 in the comp. Surely Hodgson would be part of that 'best'?
Bakkies
Guest
If we started with a proper openside we would have done the same thing.
Dave
Guest
And long may the scrum remain a massive part of rugby, I f-ing love scrums. It's the down time in between that I don't like. Teams slow down the scrum set up time (and any other stoppage) to have breather when they are under pressure. The longer the ball is in play the better, and that includes getting it into the scrum.
C.K
Guest
Totally agree. Glad they are banned in Rugby.
Gregan's Pint Glass
Roar Rookie
I don't think it is as big of a safety issue that you guys are suggesting. The 'cannonball' tackle has only just arisen and yet it has already been banned due to its ability to completely wreck legs. I bring this up, because the banning of this tackle proves that player safety is still absolutely paramount. Therefore, if shoulder charges were dangerous, there is no doubt they would have disappeared as well. Despite the increasing speed, size and technique of players, they are still legal... as long as there is a reiteration to make sure they are not head high, I don't see the problem
Gregan's Pint Glass
Roar Rookie
I agree Chris, or keep the tight jerseys but have them with super grippy sides.
Gregan's Pint Glass
Roar Rookie
Changing the scrum back to the way it was before (i.e 15-20 years ago) isn't changing the dynamics of the game..I'm not saying to get rid of it completely, as I agree that it is an important part of the game. Yes, there may be too many sideline spectators, but they are, in my opinion the most important judges of the game. More happy spectators, means more of that golden TV money. If we didn't think of the spectators, rugby would still be the game 50 years ago - where a try was worth less than a kick for goal. You think we should leave it for the players to decide? How do they know what looks good as a spectator. A quality team that wants to "win at all costs" means they will win a game no matter how ugly the win...leaving rule changes to the players could result in the worst games of rugby imaginable.
sledgeandhammer
Guest
If you watch footage of the early rugby games the scrums occurred after each tackle - and they were super quick. Whoever was closest joined the scrum and the ball was played almost immediately into the scrum. The entire time taken from setting the scrum to completing the scrum was on average less than 10 seconds. Now we have specialised scrums, and they are very slow. I think a scrum clock would be a great idea.
Red Chief
Roar Pro
Dave, this is what Graham Henry is currently pushing for. The hit, while nice to watch when it comes off, is unneccessary, and should be removed.
Melb Rebel
Guest
anything would be an improvement. And time off from try time to subsequent kick off!!
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Then you penalise for pushing before the feed, simple. It has been done like that before.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
And they have radios...
Kuruki
Guest
Scrummaging is and always has been a massive part of Rugby. It is what makes Rugby players unique. I cant think of anyone who has come from another sport and slotted into a front row at any decent level of rugby. Changing the dynamics of the scrum change the dynamics of the game, and it could get to the stage where we have 6 loose forwards instead of 3 doing away with front rowers because the battle has been taken out of the front row.. Yes it may be frustrating for spectators but it is a crucial facet of the game and it needs to stay. Too many sideline spectators are influencing the changes in our game, it should be left to the players to decide when things are not safe or are not working in the benefit of the sport. Rugby has and always will be a high injury risk sport, improvements for the sake of safety rarely ever benefit the game. The biggest delay's at scrum time come from pedantic ref's resetting scrums which have already had the ball cleared. This is where improvements and genuine common sense need to be employed
Chris
Guest
Scrums really are problematic in both rugby codes - a laughable joke in league and a boring waste of time in union. There was an interesting theory posted (I think) on this website a little while ago - union scrums have become a mess since jerseys became skin tight and slippery. This meant that front rowers aren't able to bind onto their opposition, which inievitably leads to collapsed scrums that aren't really anyone's fault. THis happens a few times, the referee (along with everyone else) gets sick of it and give a penalty. And because its all messy the penalty has usually been mostly based on guesswork. Bring back cotton jerseys!
vaguely
Roar Pro
And had thier hands all over the ball... Not having a go, they deserved the win, if you can get away with it you should do it
vaguely
Roar Pro
It is a safety issue and I have seen injuries in the NRL come from shoulder charges. I like shoulder charges, but they have the potential to be dangerous, especially in Rugby where there is more technique in the tackle on both sides than in League (not a swipe at League) League is moer about the big hit, so shoulder charges suit but I wouldn't be suprised if they were banned from the game within 5 or 10 years. Now, back to the main point. Get rid of the hit, it's not the point of the scrum. Now, make the 9 put the ball in straight. = Scrum fixed. It still might not be great to watch, but that's not the point. ;)
Bakkies
Guest
Samoa played the ref and the clock perfectly. The Wallabies lifted for a period towards the end and had superior fitness. The Samoans had to slow the play down which they also did at the breakdown
liquorbox
Guest
because the shoulder is a pointed attacking body part wher use in a shoulder charge. By wrapping your arms you remove the "point" of the shoulder and lessen injuries. Look at you own shoulders, if your arm is by your side the shoulder joint is at a 90 degree angle and has a point, if you bring your arms up parrallel to the gound the point disappears. The question is why would League continue with a style of play that can cause injury so easily? or another way, why dont the allow elbows to the face?
Dave
Guest
Lineout clock should be from the time it goes out, it's all the farting around before they form it that eats up the time. If you make them fold into the scrums they will not wait for you to say scrum. The moment they engage the scrums it will be on, ball or no ball.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
I don't really think the subject had anything to do with the Wallabies losing to Samoa, AB fan. The reason for the post was to curtail the time wasted in setting scrums. I am leaning towards getting the hit out of the game and the tiresome "crouch touch pause engage". The best solution to all this is to engage the packs like they do in Juniors and then call "scrum", the push comes on and then the halfback puts the ball in and away we go. Save time, save injury, and save the collapsed scrums. I agree with a clock on kicking for conversion, I actually thought that the ARU had a time clock in place on this already (like 1 minute) and I agree that there should be a time clock on the throw in at the lineout (like 20 seconds from the time they form)