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Before the World Cup, Paddy O’Brien was on record saying there will be changes to the laws pertaining to the scrum after the showcase international tournament. The subsequent silence does not look good.
What I believe most knowledgeable rugby fans, coaches and players want is to return to the days when the scrum feed started the contest.
The introduction of the ‘hit’, which has then gone on to require the crouch-touch-pause-engage call, has proven to be counter to the spirit of the game.
These two aimless changes have caused endless front row collapses and tedious resets and the most difficult part of the game to explain to casual watchers.
Requiring front rowers to make milli-second binds on tight guerseys is difficult, completely unnecessary and puts needless focus on this set piece which leaves many wondering who is actually running this particular asylum.
With the changing of the guard at the IRB board reducing the influence of the English, the opportunity to apply commonsense is upon us.
It is time to revert to the days when front rows combined when ready and smart halfbacks used whatever opportunity presented itself to secure an advantage.
In those days scrummaging was a contest run by the players and refs were only heard when somebody screwed up or threatened to… as is every other phase of the game.
I better add that this only applies at senior level, scrum protection is of course vital for the juniors but the important issue is that the even there the ref must be mostly silent and let the players compete.
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.